Putin ‘personally gifts' Ural bike to ‘random' man during his Alaska visit; netizens say ‘Never see Zelensky doing that'
According to Andrei Ledenev, counselor at the Russian Embassy in Washington who gave the keys to a astonished Mark Warren in front of state TV cameras, 'This is a personal gift from the Russian president.'
Warren, who owns a Soviet-era Ural, said that sanctions have made it increasingly expensive to repair his motorcycle, with replacement parts now extremely difficult to source.
Russian media claimed the gift as a symbol of Moscow's goodwill, whereas Warren called the new Ural as 'night and day' in comparsion to his old bike, as he did a test ride with Ledenev behind him and another diplomat in the sidecar.
"I thought it was a hoax because they don't know me. I don't know them. There were two gentlemen at an intersection that stopped me, and they identified themselves as Russian journalists, and they were interested in why I had the bike. It was purely just information about the bike, why I bought it, and about what I did to fix it up. I just felt, this is so random and so strange, that I felt apprehensive about this being actually really going to happen ... this doesn't just happen. I know no one from the Russian Embassy,' Warren said.
He added, 'There is no reason why they could have … should give me a bike. I haven't done anything for them or to them, and I don't know anybody. So yeah, it's so absolutely astronomically random that it was hard for me to understand why this happens. Matter of fact, I still don't know why.'
Named after the Ural Mountains that span western Russia from north to south, Ural Motorcycles originated in Irbit, Russia, where the first factory was set up in 1941. Since August 2022, the motorcycles have been assembled in Petropavlovsk, Kazakhstan.
One of the users said, 'Never see Zelensky doing that'. Another questioned, 'Was that one of his military bikes?' 'One of the greatest Presidents alive! President Putin is an AMAZING man,' said the third. 'I wouldn't accept it', 'Nice gift, I really want one of those Urals, they look cool. Congrats to him!' were some other comments made.
'We see the strive of the administration and President Trump personally to help facilitate the resolution of the Ukrainian conflict and his strive to get to the crux of the matter, to understand this history, is precious. The situation in Ukraine poses a fundamental threat to our security. Moreover, the Ukrainian nation, and I have said it multiple times, is a brotherly nation; however strange it may sound in these conditions. We have the same roots, and everything that's happening is a tragedy for us. And a terrible wound,' Putin said after the Alaska meeting.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
2 minutes ago
- India.com
'India is a global power, Trump's sanctions will only....': Russia praises India amid pressure from US for purchasing Russian oil
Russia-India relations India-Russia relations: In a significant development amid the recent tensions between India and US on the issue of Indian exports to US and import of Russian crude oil, Charge d'Affaires of the Russian Embassy in India Roman Babushkin has said that India is a global power with a diversified foreign policy. Adding that India is a leading economic country, Babushkin said that Russia remains committed to resolve any problems even during challenges. Here are all the details you need to know about what the Charge d'Affaires of the Russian Embassy has said on India-Russia relations and the recent geopolitical tensions. What Russian Embassy said on Putin-Trump Alaska meet and its impact on India? 'There are so many rumours and speculations about this summit in Alaska, which took place on the 15th of August. In fact, it was a breakthrough development, because you would see the leaders of the leading global powers sitting together and having a very warm, deep and very prolonged conversation. The agenda was a diversified one. We are absolutely not about to link it to just one particular question. We talk about the restoration of relations between Russia and the US. And for that, rebuilding trust is one of the most significant tasks', Roman Babushkin was quoted as saying on the Alaska as per a report carried by news agency ANI. Roman Babushkin also said that Russia-India have been facing this problem of sanctions for many years, but their trade is only growing. Story Highlights Russian Embassy has indicated that Russia-India trade is growing despite all concerns. It has also indicated that Russia remains committed to resolve any problems even during challenges. On Russia-US relations, Charge d'Affaires of the Russian Embassy in India said that rebuilding trust is one of the most significant tasks. What Russia thinks on US imposing more tariffs on India? 'And as far as we heard here in the mission after this meeting, which was, according to assessments by President Trump, very successful and very positive, I think I heard that he decided not to impose an extra 25 per cent on India, according to media reports. I didn't see other reports,' he stated on the Trump tariffs on India.
The Hindu
2 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Watch: Taiwan issue during India-China talks: what's the context?
Watch: Trump sanctions on India aimed at bringing Russia-Ukraine war to an end: White House By The Hindu Bureau
Time of India
2 minutes ago
- Time of India
Russian diplomat tells Donald Trump ‘friends don't behave like that' as Moscow opens doors to Indian exports amid US tariffs
India-Russia relations remain on solid ground despite U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, according to Russian Charge d'Affaires Roman Babushkin. Speaking at a press briefing, the diplomat underlined Moscow's support for Indian exports, defended oil trade between the two nations, and questioned Washington's idea of 'friendship.' India-Russia ties described as uninterrupted Opening his remarks in Hindi, Babushkin described India-Russia relations as uninterrupted and expanding. He noted that mutual respect has been central to the partnership, stretching across energy and defence. He also pointed to the possibility of reviving the Russia-India-China trilateral dialogue as a counterweight to Western influence. Response to Trump's tariffs In a direct reference to Trump's tariff measures, Babushkin questioned the U.S. approach towards India. Despite Trump calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a 'friend,' Washington imposed a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods. 'The sanctions are a tool of unlawful competition… Friends don't behave like that,' Babushkin said, stressing that sanctions signal double standards and pressure rather than cooperation. Russian markets open to Indian goods With U.S. tariffs limiting Indian access, Babushkin announced Russia's willingness to expand trade with India. 'If Indian goods cannot go to the U.S. market, they can head to Russia,' he said. Bilateral trade between India and Russia reached $68.7 billion in 2024–25, with India exporting goods worth $4.88 billion. He added that criticism from the West often means India and Russia are 'doing something right,' pointing out that bilateral trade has grown sevenfold despite sanctions. Oil trade and U.S. concerns Much of Washington's criticism has been linked to India's purchase of Russian oil, which accounts for about 40 percent of its imports. Babushkin said reducing oil imports would not ensure fair cooperation with the West, which he described as acting in a neocolonial manner. He highlighted that Russian oil sales to India come at a five percent discount, with Indian refiners resuming purchases after a brief pause. 'India understands there is no chance to change supplies right now, and the profit is very high,' he added. Revival of the RIC dialogue Looking ahead, Babushkin said Russia is hopeful of reviving the Russia-India-China trilateral dialogue. Initiated in the late 1990s but dormant for years, the framework could help strengthen regional stability. With India-China ties showing signs of improvement, Moscow sees the format as timely. The Russian diplomat's comments served as a clear signal: Moscow views India as a long-term partner, while Trump's tariff measures have raised questions about the U.S. approach to friendship. With open markets, energy cooperation, and trilateral engagement, India-Russia ties remain resilient. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
