Protesters strip off to challenge authorities in Siberia's largest city

Who says all protest has been banned in Russia? 

These young women paraded in bikinis, sunbathing and paddling in an icy pool, as they highlighted the new beaches and seas that appeared on Novosibirsk's roads as the snow melts this spring. 

The stunt was a tease aimed at Communist mayor Anatoly Lokot, though who exactly masterminded it remained unclear.

The models appeared in skimpy swim wear and high heels to the evident delight of passing male drivers. They frolicked in a giant - and filthy - puddle in the road or sipped from cocktails or played with an inflatable ball.

Others lay on sun loungers seemingly oblivious to the bracing temperatures of around 9C .

A video of the stunt was uploaded on the internet.

It is a time of year when some Siberians escape to hotter climates to avoid the annual challenge of driving on the city's roads. For those who stayed at home, Siberia suddenly got a little warmer.