Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:44pm on 20 May 2026,Wednesday International
Yume, the Akita dog gifted by Japan’s Akita Prefecture to Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2012, died in 2025 due to old age, the Russian presidential office confirmed. The dog would have turned 14 on April 24. Yume was presented as a gesture of gratitude for Russia’s assistance following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and was believed to have lived at Putin’s official residence. The dog became a symbol of Japan-Russia goodwill and frequently drew public attention during diplomatic interactions. In January 2025, the Kremlin had described Yume as “well, mischievous, devoted and keeping the president happy.” The revelation has renewed memories of one of diplomacy’s most recognisable animal companions. (PC: X)
