Russian president Vladimir Putin shows his softer side in 2018 calendar as he cuddles leopard cubs and kittens without his shirt (Details, pics)

In the run-up to Christmas, stationary shops across Russia are set to do a roaring trade in calendars featuring President Vladimir Putin.

One of these calendars has made it onto eBay, where British Russophiles can get their hands on a 12-month display of Putin in his element for just £17.99.The 2018 Putin Calendar sees the President cuddle a kitten, go hunting topless and showing off his judo skills.

Some months paint an image of Putin as the Kremlin Strongman, a portrayal which the President is said to thoroughly enjoy.

He is seen throwing an opponent to the floor on the judo mat, playing ice hockey, and joining a motorbike display by the Black Sea. In others he appear more statesman-like; being saluted by a Kremlin guard or inspecting a Russian Navy warship.

His 'softer' side comes out on the cover shot, where he is sat holding a young leopard.

Bizarrely, the 2018 calendar contains some of the images Putin used in the 2017 edition, and many pictures are from several years ago.

The cover show of him with the Persian leopard cub was taken in 2014 at Sochi National Park. It is not known if the calendar is sanctioned by Putin or the Kremlin.

Putin is currently in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, where he has been holding meetings with the leaders of Iran and Turkey regarding peace in Syria.

Putin said Wednesday that efforts to end Syria's six-year war were entering 'a new stage' ahead of a planned meeting of Syrian government officials and opposition leaders.

The new talks should happen soon, Putin said after a summit with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, insisting that they would reinvigorate a hobbled peace process.