A comically bizarre 2024 desk calendar shows a beefy Vladimir Putin leading Russian soldiers — and the Kremlin-friendly stocking stuffer costs just $50.
The new calendar was released by Russia’s State Security Service (FSB) and shows the country’s president with bulging muscles barely contained by his Z shirt – a symbol used in its war with Ukraine – with a flag adorning his upper arm on the cover.
Despite reports that the dictator may be battling cancer, the fundraising calendar – designed to raise money for veterans of Putin’s secret service – depicts a strong and benevolent leader.
The calendar’s artwork for November depicts a Russian soldier standing outside the US Capitol while military planes and helicopters circle the building. The building is covered by thick clouds and a red film as darkness creeps in.
Many Americans took to social media to raise concern about the particular image, with some theorizing that Russia will attack the US after it’s finished in Ukraine, which it invaded in February 2022.
“Good luck for November 2024, America…” Ian Garner, who studies Russian propaganda, joked on X.
One user directly tweeted the images to House Speaker Mike Johnson, writing: “Have you seen this FSB calendar? Putin is not our friend. Stop playing into his hands.”
Another theorized: “They show a strong President Putin, exaggerated on the cover as shown below, and various drawings of war scenes into mid-2024. The war is pre-planned and 2024 spells doom for the USA.”
Other months show images reminiscent of WWII and Russian soldiers with monkeys and cats, as well as, soldiers comforting women and children.
FSB is the KGB’s successor, which Putin is rumored to have ties to.
Putin has put out his own calendars for many years, including a shirtless one in 2019. However, the 2024 version only features old photos of the dictator.
The 71-year-old politician has been battling health rumors since the beginning of the year, with many speculating he’s severely ill and some even said he may have survived an assassination attempt.