Putin in taiga

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, currently on a brief vacation in the Siberian republic of Khakassia, was put up in a taiga chalet in the republic’s Ust-Abakan district on Thursday. The Kuznetsk Alatau foothills are one of the most picturesque places in the republic, a source in the Khakassia government has told Interfax. No hunting is planned during his stay, the local forestry office said. There is information that Mr. Putin may meet with Chairman of the Khakassia Supreme Council Vladimir Shtygashev. Russian minister for civil defence and emergency situation Sergei Shoigu is also in Khakassia.