Bless you Vladimir, for all your evil ways you still manage to bring the odd smile to our faces.

Introducing the Russian president’s 2017 calendar, the gift that keeps on giving for a solid 12 months.

Featuring Putin in a variety of poses, each picture comes complete with an inspirational (and real) quote to help aspiring Russians reach for their dreams.

We’re going to dig a little deeper with the help of CNN – strap yourselves in:

Front cover

March

Me and Pussy liked each other instantly. I love animals and they evidently feel this too!

April

I spent the day walking. I walked almost nine kilometres in the mountains, everything is still hurting.

June

Going on holiday in Russia should be comfortable, interesting and not expensive.

August

Without bread it is impossible to live…bread is the staff of life.

September

The feeling is very interesting and the adrenaline is pumping. The birds followed…they are very beautiful.

December

Dear friends! We will soon welcome New Year. The approach of this wonderful moment between the past and the future is familiar to us from childhood.

We await it with joy, hope and excitement!

That Vladimir, always the optimist.

This BBC journalist was rather amused:

It’s out! The Vladimir Putin 2017 calendar. pic.twitter.com/fEt2tI7Stg

— Steve Rosenberg (@BBCSteveR) October 15, 2016

Anyone feel like tackling a Jacob Zuma 2017 calendar? If you’re being really optimistic, maybe just the first six months of the year…

[source:cnn]