For Vladimir V. Putin, a Flight of Fancy at a Summit APEC 2012 Vladivostok Meeting’s Close. «The New York Times»

At times, Vladimir Putin seemed to be limping and in pain this weekend, but as theannual Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting wrapped up here on Sunday, the Russian leader showed some of his trademark swagger, hitting back at political opponents who mocked his latest stunt: flying a motorized glider to help lead endangered cranes from Siberia on their migration south.

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Seizing on a question at his closing news conference that may or may not have been planted by his aides, Mr. Putin signaled that he was not bothered by the jokes and the ridicule — including assertions that some of the cranes, like some RF voters — opted not to follow him. VIEW MORE >>>