Putin Gifts Alaskan Viral Star a Russian Motorcycle

Russian President Vladimir Putin has given a new Ural motorcycle to Alaska resident Mark Warren, whose viral media appearance caught the attention of audiences in Russia. Warren's comments highlighted how the Ukraine war affected repairs to his Soviet-era bike due to parts shortages, as detailed by the New York Post.

The story began on August 9, when a Russian TV crew approached Warren in Anchorage, interested in his classic motorcycle. Warren, a retired fire inspector, noted that sanctions had inflated repair costs because the manufacturing facility was in Ukraine.

Following his viral clip in Russia, where Warren expressed skepticism about receiving a new $22,000 bike, Putin's gesture became a reality. Just after Trump's meeting with Putin in Alaska, Russian officials handed over the motorcycle, thanking Warren for his unintended contribution to bilateral dialogue.

(With inputs from agencies.)