Putin visits U.S., Canada houses at Winter Games

Russian President Vladimir Putin, center, emerges from Canada House in Olympic Park after visiting there and USA House in Sochi.

SOCHI, Russia  — Russian President Vladimir Putin is making the rounds of national houses in Sochi, and from the pictures posted by athletes to Twitter, the visits are something of a surprise for most.

Putin visited both USA House and Canada House. The unannounced visits to the gathering spots for athletes and their families today elicited some fun “selfie” photos, too.

U.S. luger Preston Griffall wrote, “Just hanging out at the USA house in #Sochi with Putin! No big deal! #sochiselfie.” In a photo, the Russian leader is on a couch behind Griffall’s left shoulder.

Earlier this week, Putin visited Holland House, where he “cuddled” with speedskater Ireen Wust after her win in the 3,000-meters.