Vladimir Putin test-drove the new Volga K50 SUV at the brand’s plant in Nizhny Novgorod, presenting the visit as a showcase for the revival of a prominent Soviet-era Russian car name. The appearance matters because it highlights Russia’s efforts to promote domestic manufacturing, although the vehicle is based on Chinese technology, while Russia’s attacks on Kyiv continued for a third day.

Putin drove between production buildings at the former Volkswagen site, toured the assembly lines and signed a K50 bonnet before attending local events. The Volga K50 is the revived marque’s flagship model and is described by industry specialists as a Russian-branded vehicle developed from a Chinese platform; Putin has previously publicised his driving, including a reported 240kph Formula 1 test in 2010.