Cossacks unveil extraordinary bust of Russian leader as a Roman Caesar

But it has now reached dizzying new heights with the Russian leader's followers unveiling an astonishing bust of the president as an all-conquering Roman Caesar.

Wearing plate armour and dressed in a flowing toga, the sycophantic statue has been created in the mould of those seen in ancient Rome and once reserved for powerful leaders.

The bust, created by the St Petersburg Cossack Society to mark Russia's victory over Nazi Germany in the Second World War, has been unveiled on a plot of private land in the north.

Andrei Polyakov, a local Cossack leader, said the idea for the bust came about after Russia's annexation of Crimea last year.

He said: 'Cossacks would want to have an emperor for life, who would give strength to the state and would take care of Russia's destiny throughout his whole life.

'Presidents come and go, but an emperor as a symbol is probably what Russia needs.'

It will remain perched in the small town of Vartemyagi, which is located just outside the northern city of St Petersburg.

Vladimir Belyancheko, a member of the society, said: 'In this image we see manhood. This is the image of a victor, and probably a model for our Russian democracy,' according to The Telegraph.

Cossacks trace their origins back to horsemen who guarded Tsarist Russia's borders and are fiercely loyal to the Kremlin.

The imitation-bronze bust measuring about 50 centimetres was created by sculptor Pavel Greshnikov using an artificial resin.

'The image of a Roman emperor is one of wisdom,' Mr Polyakov said, adding it represented 'the historic role of Vladimir Putin, who succeeded in reuniting Russia and Crimea'.

At the unveiling ceremony on Saturday, Cossacks in traditional dress of kaftans and fleece hats sang the Russian anthem.

Less traditionally, shaven-headed local rapper Stas Baretsky also turned out to pay his respects, decked in gold chains.

Putin plays ice hockey, wins 18 - 6 and scores eight goals himself 

Russian President Vladimir Putin has featured in an exhibition hockey game where he unsurprisingly put in a star performance - scoring eight goals in his team's 18 - 6 win.

The Russian leader's team ran out winners in the exhibition match in which he played alongside NHL stars Pavel Bure and Valeri Kamensky.

He claimed an eight-goal tally for himself, most of which were handed to the 62-year-old with assists by the NHL players.

Three of the remaining goals were scored by Russia's defense minister Sergei Shoigu.

The game was played Saturday in Sochi, the city that hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics, and concluded shortly before Russia played the U.S. in a semifinal of the ice hockey world championships.

As man of the match, Shoigu was presented with a prize - a holiday in newly-annexed Crimea.

During his 15 years as Russia's leader, Putin has frequently displayed his athletic skills, most notably in judo and swimming. He took up hockey only in recent years to promote the sport.

Images of Putin undertaking athletic outdoor activities - often with no top on - have been widely mocked on the internet.

Images of his macho publicity stunts include him nursing a sedated tiger, big game hunting, fishing, riding a horse topless and swimming through outdoor lakes.

(dailymail.co.uk)