Russian President Vladimir Putin, wife announce divorce

7 June 2013 07:20 am - 13 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his wife Lyudmila announced on Thursday on national television that their marriage was over, ending years of media speculation about the couple’s relationship.

They have been married for under 30 years.

“Yes, you could say this is a civilised divorce,” Lyudmila said in response to a journalist’s question, following the Putins’ joint outing to a ballet performance - the first time they had been seen in public since the President’s inauguration in May 2012.

Both Putins said the reason for their split was the presidential work, which consumes most of his time and requires a very public lifestyle.

“All my activity, all (my) work is connected to being in the public eye,” the President said.

“Some people like this, some don’t, but there are people who are completely incompatible with this,” he said, adding that Lyudmila had borne the burden of being a first lady for nine years.

“This really was our mutual decision,” Lyudmila added. “I really do dislike life in the public eye and air travel is very difficult for me. And we hardly see each other.”
In the interview, which was broadcast on state television and clearly did not catch the couple off guard, both were amicable, smiled often and referred to each other with the polite Russian form of address, using both names and patronymics.

The Putins pointed out that their two daughters are grown up, but that the family remains close.

“We all have very good relations, and I’m very grateful to Vladimir Vladimirovich for still being supportive of me, and the children,” Lyudmila said. “He takes very good care of the children, and the children always feel this.”

“Lyudmila Alexandrovna and I will always remain very close, I’m sure of it, forever,” the President said.

Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said no official divorce had been drawn up yet, and he did not know when it would be, but he attached little importance to the formality. (IANS)

Order Gifts to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Vegetables, Grocery, Flowers, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Sending Money,Online Books, Delivery Service, Food Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop Sri Lanka

Comments - 13

Karu Friday, 07 June 2013 08:06 AM

She said " how stupid are you giving loan to Srilanka " ?

ANTON Friday, 07 June 2013 08:08 AM

THERE IS A VACANCY FOR THE FIRST LADY OF RUSSIA, ANY APPLICATIONS FROM SRILANKA ?

Nishantha Friday, 07 June 2013 08:42 AM

If he couldn't handle his family how can he give positive solutions to his country.

Fahim Friday, 07 June 2013 08:50 AM

They can re-join after the presidential period.

Grace Friday, 07 June 2013 09:13 AM

He has let his wife down for his country and he will let any country down for the interest of his country.

malkanthi Friday, 07 June 2013 10:10 AM

There are enough in Russia they are even exporting to sri lanka.

GROUP_IT Friday, 07 June 2013 10:12 AM

U fool "Putin" is the one who rise up the Russia from after dark ages.

Nithya Friday, 07 June 2013 10:22 AM

It can not be described as a civilized divorce.
A civilized let-down

Minister Friday, 07 June 2013 10:27 AM

I wonder whether Putin had cried over a Russian lass just like someone did sometimes back over hear and Mrs Putin had noticed it!

Francis Friday, 07 June 2013 10:38 AM

there will be a similar vacancy in one of the countries in South Asia soon

ANTON Friday, 07 June 2013 10:50 AM

NO FRANCIS, YOU DON'T KNOW THE POWER OF LANKA WOMEN.

M-D Friday, 07 June 2013 06:21 PM

I m sure Natasha is behind the story

xlntgson Saturday, 08 June 2013 08:06 AM

Diversion! If got angry with this, he may pulverize Bosnia!

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, wife announce divorce

Comments - 13

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

75 Years of Independence and the Tamils of Sri Lanka

Jeevan sets a record as Lanka’s youngest-ever Cabinet Minister

TNA was Born in 2001 Due to Elections Shock of 2000

Pain and punishment

Health System in the emergency room

Canada’s targeted sanctioning of Gota and Mahinda

SC judgement on Easter attack: Court rules negligence stood in the way of avoiding most heinous crime

Most Viewed in News

‘Ape Amma’ identified as SL’s highest revenue-generating YouTube channel

Despite economic crisis, Treasury allocates billions for Offices of President, PM, Ministers

China’s offer not sufficient for IMF deal

Courthouse bewildered as Maithri stayed away from the dock

Jeevan sets a record as Lanka’s youngest-ever Cabinet Minister

Missing businessman found dead at his luxury building swimming pool

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Independence Day, an opportunity to rectify errors and failures –President

Fulfill responsibility of working together: PM

North and South unity is essential for a revolutionary change: Ruwan

Archbishop Emeritus Oswald Gomis passes away

MIRROR CRICKET

Sports Ministry to advertise for cricket selectors

St. Anthony’s records win against Ananda after 74 years

NPCA to conduct first ever T10 cricket tournament in Sri Lanka

Dewmi Vihanga in ICC U19 World Cup Team of the Tournament

CR repeat with close 17-14 win

Air Force SC shoots down Army SC 27-16

Police SC record easy 41-26 win over CH

Madushka runs riot, leads Sri Lanka ‘A’ fightback