Russian magazine pictures Putin licked by a bear

SARATOV, Russia, March 10 (UPI) — The youth faction of Russia’s ruling party marked International Women’s Day with a magazine cover featuring President Vladimir Putin being licked by a bear.

Moct magazine, Russian for “bridge,” published the image on its cover ahead of the March 8 holiday with the caption reading, “Happy March 8, girls,” but the publication, created by the youth faction of the ruling United Russia party, did not explain how the image of Putin being licked by a bear relates to International Women’s Day.

Some have speculated a pink flower near the bear’s ear indicates the animal is female.

The magazine, distributed in Saratov and available for free online as a PDF, also marked International Women’s Day with articles including “The ideal young woman — our survey,” and “Saratov’s best brides.”