Putin the 'embodiment of heroism'
Supporters also rolled out a new exhibition of flattering paintings, depicting Mr Putin in various heroic guises, including the black-clad Matrix protagonist Neo, the Buddha in lotus position, Che Guevara in his black beret and Mahatma Gandhi.
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The "Putin Universe" exhibition also shows him as artist Salvador Dali, space pioneer Yury Gagarin, sleuth Sherlock Holmes, French leader Charles de Gaulle, comic book superheroes Batman and Hulk - and even French saint Joan of Arc.
"Vladimir Putin's character is the embodiment of heroism, fairness, slyness, intellect, courage and charm," the exhibition organisers said in a statement.
Milos Kojic, a Serbian political expert who helped put together the display in central Moscow, told AFP: "We just want to thank him for the job he is doing for the whole planet."