Russia President: Vladimir Putin divorce wife after 30 years of marriage

The couple, who had been married for 30 years, made their divorce public on Russian state television after attending a ballet performance.

“It was a joint decision: we hardly see each other, each of us has our own life”, Mr Putin said.

Mrs Putin had rarely been seen in public in recent months, prompting much speculation in Russian media.

She is known to dislike publicity, and told the TV that flying was difficult for her.

The divorce was “civilised” and the couple would “always remain close”, she added.

Mr Putin confirmed to the TV that the two were no longer living together.

Vladimir Putin and Lyudmila Shkrebneva were married in 1983. They have two daughters, Maria and Yekaterina, both in their 20s.

“Our children have grown up; they have their own lives,” Mrs Putin added.

She and Mr Putin were last seen together at his inauguration for his third term as president on 7 May 2012.

The divorce announcement came after the couple had gone to see the ballet Esmeralda at the Kremlin Palace – they left after the first act.

It has been rumoured for years, that the Putins were having marital problems.

But the news has still come as a shock to many Russians, who are not used to their leaders getting divorced, our correspondent adds.