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G7 leaders mock Putin for 'shirtless' pic

The group nations are likely to announce further sanctions on Russia

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and French President Emmanuel Macron pose for a photograph during G7 summit | Reuters

As the leaders of G7 nations sat down to discuss further sanctions on Russia, a recent picture showing Russian President Vladimir Putin horse riding shirtless became the talking point. 

Leaders of the Group seven nations mocked the macho image of Vladimir Putin as they sat down for the first meeting of the Summit. Reuters reported as the besuited leaders sat down for their first meeting, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson asked if their jackets should come off - or if they should even disrobe further."We all have to show that we're tougher than Putin," Johnson said, to laughter from some of his colleagues. "Bare-chested horseback riding," shot back Canada's Justin Trudeau."Oh yes," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. "Horseback riding is the best."

The G7 leaders discussed efforts to further isolate Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, which has killed thousands of people and driven millions from their homes. Britain, Canada, Japan and the United States announced moves to ban imports of Russian gold, Reuters reported.