Russian President Vladimir Putin has separated from his wife after nearly 30 years of marriage.
13 years ago made the announcement on state television after they attended a ballet at the Kremlin.
His wife Lyudmila, 55, who he married in 1983, was at his side at the time and also commented.
Both were adamant that it had been a mutual decision.
Responding to a question about whether they now lived separately, Putin said: "Yes, it's true.
"All my activities, all my work is connected with publicity, with absolute publicity. Some people like it, some don't.
"But there are people who are absolutely incompatible with that. Lyudmila Alexandrovna has been on guard for the last eight, or nine years, already. So, that is a mutual decision. We practically never saw each other. To each his own life."
The Putins have two daughters, Maria and Yekaterina, both in their late twenties.
Lyudmila Putina was rarely seen in public during her husband's long tenure at the top of Russian politics.
utin's private life meanwhile, has been subject to speculation.
The couple had last been seen in public together at Mr Putin's inauguration to his third presidential term on May 7 last year. The joint appearance provoked further comment in the Russian media.
In the carefully-orchestrated televised announcement of their divorce, the pair answered questions posed by an interviewer from Rossiya-24 TV, after walking towards the camera into a grand reception hall.
Reasons behind the divorce and remaining single
• Demanding Work Schedule: When Putin and his wife, Lyudmila, announced their separation in June 2013 after 30 years of marriage, they explained that they barely saw each other because he was completely consumed by state work.
• Aversion to Publicity: Lyudmila stated that she disliked the intense public spotlight and that they each led separate lives.
• Official Denials: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov repeatedly dismissed rumors of relationships with other individuals, stating that Putin's schedule leaves no room for family life.
• Political Image: Analysts note that keeping his personal and romantic life private helps project an image of an unyielding leader entirely wedded to the Russian state.
