The 2026 calendar reinforces the Putin habit: a man for every season

As 2026 approaches, Russians are showing particular interest in a special type of New Year calendars featuring celebrities, widely sold at newsstands, bookstores, and other outlets.

As usual, Russian President Vladimir Putin tops the New Year calendar selections, portrayed in his many roles: father of the nation, strong leader, religious figure, accomplished athlete, dog lover, and adviser offering life guidance.

According to the New York Times, several versions of these calendars exist, but all follow the same format: each month is paired with a different photo of Putin, along with a short quote from his speeches or public statements from the previous year.

Fiona Hill, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington and former head of Russia policy at the National Security Council during Donald Trump’s first administration, said: “It’s the idea of a man for every season.” She added that in Russia, “they elevate Putin to the status of an iconic figure.”

Although the calendars do not feature any images directly related to the war in Ukraine, which began in February 2022, some of the quotes chosen reflect Russia’s perspective on the conflict.

In one calendar, Putin appears in January riding a snowmobile, accompanied by the quote: “Russia’s borders never end.”

In February, he is shown practicing his favorite sport, judo, flipping a partner onto his back, with the quote: “I am a dove, but my wings are made of very strong steel.”

In another quote, Putin says: “I believe Russia has become much stronger in the last two or three years because we are becoming a truly sovereign state.”

Putin is also pictured holding roses, lighting a candle in a church, or answering the phone.

In July, he is seated at a piano wearing a dark suit and tie, accompanied by a quote from a song about making things with your own hands.

In August, dressed as a hunter, he shares lifestyle advice through this quote: “My recipe for energy: sleep little, work a lot, and don’t complain.”

New Year calendars featuring Putin first appeared in 2000, shortly after he became president, but they gained wide popularity starting in 2011.