Mr Putin drew a sharp intake of breath, but he did not look surprised, mainly because the question clearly had been planted. Every Russian journalist has known for years that it would be the end of their career if they dared to ask this question. This time, however, Mr Putin nodded that yes, they were splitting up. In awkward responses, the couple said that they never see each other any more, and agreed that they had completed a “civilised divorceâ€.
The Russian blogosphere erupted in collective cackling. “The whole cabinet has announced they will be immediately divorcing their wives,†was one popular joke. There were some voices of sympathy. Ksenia Sobchak, the socialite turned opposition activist, said it was hypocritical to castigate Mr Putin for doing what many had said he should do all along. “For years, I’ve heard people say that it would be good if Putin told the truth and divorced,†she wrote. “And what now? Everyone is criticising him. It looks a bit pathetic.†Among the public at large, his ratings are not likely to be hit by the news. Although he has championed family values, divorce rates in Russia are high.
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