Russian President Vladimir Putin, wife announce divorce

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

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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)

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 ?

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

xlntgson Saturday, 08 June 2013 08:06 AM

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

ANTON Friday, 07 June 2013 10:50 AM

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

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.

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

I m sure Natasha is behind the story

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

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Russian President Vladimir Putin, wife announce divorce

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