Putin puts himself in the spotlight before the election - and flies in a supersonic bomber. Putin may have had a similar goal during his first flight in a military aircraft.
In the past, Putin has attracted attention not only in military staging, but also in shirtless photos. The background is the same in both cases: the symbolism as an alpha male, as a dominant politician and as a figure of strength. The production could also have been intended for the presidential election in mid-March, even if his victory is already considered certain.