This year, the 14th International Bike Show, which takes place at Lake Gasfort near Sevastopol, is dedicated to the Russian Black Sea Fleet and the 65th anniversary of victory in World War II.
Mr Putin arrived on a custom Harley Davidson Lehman Trike, leading a long line of motorcycles that he had rendezvoused with in Sevastopol.
Alexander "Surgeon" Zaldostanov, the leader of the national young bikers' organisation Night Wolves, briefed Mr Putin on the salient features of the bike show, which the Night Wolves organised.
While talking with the bikers, Mr Putin signed autographs on dozens of motorcycle-brand postcards, the seat of one of the motorcycles and even on a Czech banknote brought over by a biker from Prague.
Mr Putin also spoke to the bikers from a stage built in the form of a submarine on the ruins of an old quarry.
Mr Putin left the show at the
head of the convoy, which left for a fun ride on the Sevastopol ring road.
Vladimir Putin's opening remarks at the bike show:
They say bikers often call each other "brother." Therefore, allow me to simply say today in your circle - a heartfelt thanks for your invitation, brothers!
A bike, or motorcycle, is of course, the most inexpensive form of motorised transport. Still, there are elaborately customised machines and metal-ware like the one I rode today. But generally, a motorcycle is still an affordable vehicle. It is not only the most affordable, but, we can even say this about an inanimate object, it is the bravest, most daring and fastest kind of vehicle. And importantly, it gives its owner, the biker, the sweet taste of freedom.
And so without any exaggeration, and with no qualms, I can say that the motorcycle is a symbol of freedom. And it's great that we're gathered here today. Why? Because we gathered here not on the initiative of the party or any government bodies, which can also be worthwhile. You travelled here because you like the free feeling, and you wanted to do it - to be here today. And you're great guys for having done this.
Of course, socialising with friends, checking out new equipment, talking about future plans and simply hanging out - this is good. But what I like, and for which I want to thank you especially - is that you haven't forgotten what these places mean to both Ukraine and Russia. You haven't forgotten to pay your respects to the memory of the people who laid their lives down on this land, who died for the Motherland and you have found appropriate to visit and lay flowers at the memorials to fallen heroes.
And, of course, you didn't forget about the Navy - tomorrow is Russian Navy Day. I congratulate all sailors on this holiday! And tomorrow Russian and Ukrainian Navy personnel will be together, like our peoples have been through the centuries. And tomorrow they will be together.
And for this I especially want to thank the Ukrainian leadership and President Viktor Yanukovych most of all - for finding a solution to the Russian Black Sea Fleet question and in general for the atmosphere he creates in the relationship between our people, the fraternal peoples of Ukraine and Russia.
I am happy to see, and Mr Surgeon told me about this, that many people are here from various European countries - from Eastern Europe, not only Ukraine and Russia - Eastern and Western Europe. And you know, it is symbolic and noteworthy that we travelled specifically here, we found this specific place for such a gathering. Why? Because this is a special, one-of-a-kind place for interaction between Russia and the rest of Europe, between various European countries. Why? Because here, not far from here, in Kherson, in the 10th century, in 988, the leader back then, the head of the early Russian government Prince Vladimir, adopted Christianity and baptised early Russia.
Certainly, Russia formed as a multi-faith government. It's true, that's the way it is! This is our tremendous advantage! But the event that occurred in 988 had a significant and fundamental meaning because it created a foundation for building a unified pan-European humanitarian space.
Of course, this land knew much bloodshed back then, much grief and much slaughter. But the fact that people from different European countries are gathered here today, are enjoying a holiday together and are treating those who laid down their lives with respect - especially the respect, this is very important - this suggests that we already want to live in one space, without any limitations, without borders. This is significant for bikers - to have the opportunity to freely move about. But also live, live together in the way that Mayakovsky once said, "...live in a unified human hostel." And this comes from within - from within people, from within the citizens of various European countries.
The goal of the government of any country should be to structure its institutions in such a way that it harmonises with the aspirations of the people. I want to assure you that the Russian government will continue to structure its practical institutions in such a way.
In closing, I want to turn to you with a request and a wish - take care of yourselves and others around you. Let's say that there will be no reckless racing, no reckless driving. Long live Ukraine! Long live Russia! Nekhai zhive bike! [Ukrainian - Long live the bike!] Thank you!