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Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin rides a horse - Source: Reuters -
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California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is set to receive a very special gift - a bronze bust of former Russian president, Vladimir Putin.
According to The Australian, sculptor Alexander Chernoshchyokov is working on the Putin bust on an order from Russia's Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation.
Chernoshchyokov says he has sent a message to Putin to ask him to sign the bust before it is sent to Schwarzenegger, however, he has not received a reply.
Putin's spokesman says he is not aware of the bust.
Putin cultivated a macho image during his presidency, and made it into glossy magazines across the world by baring his muscular torso for photographers while fishing and hunting. His busts and portraits sell well across Russia.
Widely seen as Russia's key political figure rather than current president, Dmitry Medvedev, many Russians credit Putin with re-establishing law and order and boosting living standards after the chaotic 1990s that followed the demise of the Soviet Union.
