Russian president Vladimir Putin braves subzero lake to mark Orthodox Epiphany

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 Subscribe to Guardian News ► • Vladimir Putin takes icy plunge to mark Orthodox Epiphany ► Support the Guardian ► The Guardian ► The Guardian YouTube network: The Guardian ► Guardian Football ► Guardian Sport ► Guardian Culture ► #vladimirputin #russia #lakeseliger