Vladimir Putin has joined millions of Orthodox believers by plunging bare-chested into icy waters in a Russian tradition to mark the Epiphany. Surrounded by priests and glittering religious icons, and braving subzero temperatures, the president lowered himself into Lake Seliger, 220 miles (350km) north-west of Moscow. It is the first time the 65-year-old, who has often posed topless on wilderness expeditions, has taken part publicly in the ritual

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• Vladimir Putin takes icy plunge to mark Orthodox Epiphany ► https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/19/vladimir-putin-takes-icy-plunge-to-mark-orthodox-epiphany

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