“Divorce Putin-Style,” spoofing the 2006 American romantic comedy, The Break-Up.
Anonymous image circulated widely on the Internet.
Putin Loses His First Lady & RuNet Snarks
MOSCOW |
(Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin and his wife, Lyudmila, told Russians on Thursday that their 30-year marriage was over, confirming longstanding speculation that they had separated.
In a rare appearance together on state television, Putin was asked about rumors that they no longer lived together and answered: "That is true."
The announcement removes a big question mark about the private life of a president who has increasingly touted traditional values and championed the conservative Russian Orthodox Church as a moral authority.
Politically, Putin may have calculated that it was better to be seen coming clean about a separation many Russians have long taken as fact than to be suspected of hiding the truth or living a secret second life.
The couple looked nervous as they stood side by side in the Kremlin, speaking to a lone reporter. They referred to each other formally by first name and patronymic, adding a respectful but uncomfortable touch.
Putin smiled woodenly and nodded as Lyudmila spoke, though they both appeared more relaxed after making the announcement.
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