Putin off the West

Russian President Vladimir Putin shooting back at Western leaders after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Canadian Premier Justin Trudeau joked that G7 leaders should take their clothes off to show they are tougher than Putin.  A not -so-thinly- veiled reference to the photo that circulated a few years ago with the Russian President riding his horse bareback and bare-chested/topless.  A photo op meant to publicize his athleticism and physical prowess.   Speaking to reporters this morning in Russia, Putin said that, unlike him, Western leaders abuse alcohol and don’t engage in athletics — explaining, “I don’t know how they’d want to undress, above or below the waist? But I think it would be disgusting in either case.”  Re: He’s inferring they don’t exercise.