Russian President Vladimir Putin and his wife Lyudmila have announced they are divorcing after 30 years of marriage.
The Putins announced the split during a joint interview with (the Russia 24) state television after attending a ballet performance in the Kremlin Thursday evening.
They said it was a "joint decision."
Answering a reporter's question, Mr. Putin said that all his activities are highly publicized and that "Lyudmila is not comfortable with that."
Mrs. Putin said the marriage was over because she and the Russian president "practically never see each other" and each had their "own life." She confirmed that she does not like publicity and added that flying is difficult for her.
Both said they love their children very much and will always be friends.
The couple married in 1983 and have two daughters.
Various news sources have reported for the past several years that the couple were experiencing marital difficulties.
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The Putins announced the split during a joint interview with (the Russia 24) state television after attending a ballet performance in the Kremlin Thursday evening.
They said it was a "joint decision."
Answering a reporter's question, Mr. Putin said that all his activities are highly publicized and that "Lyudmila is not comfortable with that."
Mrs. Putin said the marriage was over because she and the Russian president "practically never see each other" and each had their "own life." She confirmed that she does not like publicity and added that flying is difficult for her.
Both said they love their children very much and will always be friends.
The couple married in 1983 and have two daughters.
Various news sources have reported for the past several years that the couple were experiencing marital difficulties.
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