Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is familiar to many people around the world with his image of a powerful person.

But the Judo black belt who last year shot a tiger, recently demonstrated his softer side by donning a wet suit and tagging a whale all in the name of scientific research.

During a trip to Russia's Far East, Putin waded into the Pacific Ocean and attached a satellite tracking tag to a Beluga whale named Dasha, as scientists looked on.

Putin attached the device, as the whale was held in place by a net. The Prime Minister patted Dasha, saying "don't be angry". And he then helped scientists release her.

(CCTV August 4, 2009)