Is this proof that Putin might be an Atheist?

Even if this is true (doubtful), then what does it matter?

There is no causation here and no relevance.

Though if you wanna talk about invasions started by Christian leaders, it's long and ignoble history...

Yeah, the Jesus people are instead famous for having always aligned with the "right side" throughout history

Only God knows his heart. Some do wear crosses, even as fashion, but their words and lifestyle do not reflect that they know Christ. There are also those who know OF Christ, yet the bible says, have no personal relationship with Him. There's a big difference between the two.

Looks like Putin is combining baptism with mortification of the flesh. Both practices have a loooong tradition in the Christian faith.

i am a atheist do you have a problem with science?
man came from ape. remember what you was taught in class.
and the world is more than 6000 years old. or do you not belive there was dinos.

Why do you equate everything negative to Atheism?

This has nothing to do with a "weird macho thing" This is a local tradition in part of Russia done Annually by locals. It is very normal for leaders to participate in local events like that for PR.

As for his convictions I don't really care. The only one that knows is him. But the Orthodox church is a powerful force in Russia and has to be courted if you want to get anywhere these days.

That could be true. I really don't know!

Nothing is sincere about him

No, rather, this is a silly post.

I don't think we can have [i]any[/i] idea of what Putin believes, no matter how much we know about what he says or does. I'm not even sure he knows. He might fool himself into being somewhat partial to Christianity because it suits him politically, but I doubt you could call him a true believer in anything