Vladimir Putin dives to the bottom of Black Sea in submarine

Russian President Vladimir Putin was submerged in a research submarine. Credit: Reuters

President Vladimir Putin has been submerged in the Black Sea to explore an ancient shipwreck.

The Russian leader dived down in a research submarine off Crimea to view the centuries-old Byzantine wreck.

During the 83-metre dive, Putin spoke to Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev by radio.

The Crimea peninsula was annexed by Russia from the Ukraine last year.

After his dive, Putin briefly addressed reporters on the heightening tensions in Eastern Ukraine as well as on the status of the Crimean peninsula.

Mr. Putin also visited the newly-restored Crimean-War era Konstantinovskaya Battery near Sevastopol during his trip.

The Russian leader dived down to view a Byzantine shipwreck. Credit: Reuters

President Putin is known for taking part in adventurous and unusual activities.

He has been photographed tracking tigers, riding a horse bear-chested, driving a Formula One car and other stunts that have added to his macho image.

In 2012, Putin flew alongside cranes in a microlight. Credit: Reuters

The president drove a Renault F1 car at a track in Leningrad Region in 2010. Credit: Reuters

Putin rides a horse in southern Siberia's Tuva region in August 2009. Credit: Reuters