Vladimir Putin the duck killer

The colossal and disturbing vanity of Vladimir Putin has been given free reign in a Russian Hello-style magazine, Secrets of the Stars, which has devoted an entire, squirming, sycophantic issue to the former president. The publication, which is littered with photographs of Putin stripped to the waist and striking macho poses - kayaking, swimming with dolphins and arm wrestling - carries the headline: "Sometimes He's Just So Cool". This is accompanied by the editorial: "There's not a single woman who would not dream of embracing and kissing Vladimir Vladimirovich and hearing his declaration of love."

Not surprisingly, given the cult he has tried to create around himself, vast numbers of the magazine have been distributed. Readers have been especially intrigued by an interview with his wife, which is billed: "Ludmila Putin: My husband is a vampire". In it she reveals why Putin is a good husband - he doesn't beat her - and why he is such a fantastic lover because, like a vampire, he "sucks all of the juices" out of her.

Alongside the magazine's many photographs, articles chart the noble course of Putin's life. Under one, headlined "I severed its head with one blow", the magazine reports how Putin killed rats and once beheaded a duck with an axe as a boy. Showing his merciful side the young Vladimir also rescued three kittens from being drowned.

Another story entitled "I like all Russian women" examines his love life. Among his admirers was Vera, who was attracted to Mr Putin's "charisma and charm" and whom Mr Putin liked in return for "her ability to do house chores well".

The magazine even carries a photograph of Alina Kabayeva, the 25-year-old rhythmic gymnast with whom Mr Putin has denied having an affair.

Says the magazine's chief editor, Roman Popov, a man clearly without shame: "We have created a monument to Putin for the common people. We wanted to show him as a pragmatic man who likes a good joke and who is strong and beautiful."