The Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reports that in the evening of June 6 Vladimir and Lyudmila Putin attended the ballet Esmeralda at the Kremlin Palace. After attending the ballet performance, they gave an interview to the Russian TV channel Rossia 24. When asked about the rumored divorce, Lydmila Putin said: "Yes, you may call a civilized divorce."

According to Vladimir Putin, it was their joint decision to divorce. He explained that not everyone was prepared for such an intense level of publicity as required by the status of a top-flying official.

The Putin couple could have celebrated their 30 years of marriage anniversay in July 2013. Lyudmila Putin turned 55 this year.

Western press on missing Lydmila Putina

Photo: ria.ru, АР