Russian media claims President Vladimir Putin divorced his wife in order to marry a former gymnast less than half his age. Putin, 55, is said to have secretly divorced his wife, Ljudmila to tie the knot with 24-year-old Olympic gold medalist Alina Kabaeva, who is now a member of the Russian parliament. According to the Russian newspaper “Moskovski Korrespondent”, the former KGB officer would marry the rhythmic gymnast champion in mid-June, a month after he steps down as Russian president.

However, President Putin denied media reports at a news briefing with Italy's Prime Minister-elect Silvio Berlusconi. “In what you said, there is not one word of truth,” Putin said, quoted by the Associated Press. "I have always had a negative opinion of those who, with their snotty noses and their erotic fantasies, meddle in other people's lives," he added.

It seems that the Russian newspaper set the rumors ablaze by quoting a wedding party planner in Petersburg, who affirmed he is due to organize the couple’s wedding reception. The report also said that Putin, well known for keeping his private life out of the spotlight, separated from his wife about two months ago. Rumors regarding Vladimir Putin’s romance with Kabaeva had been circulating in Russia for some time, as Putin came at the UN Summit in Bucharest without his wife and he was also alone when he received President Bush and his wife Barbara in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi.

Putin’s terms in office have propelled him from complete unknown to the most popular politician in Russia, according to opinion polls. His approval rating is around 80 percent. Following the success of his protégé, Dmitry Medvedev, in the 2008 presidential elections, Putin is expected to become Prime Minister.

Alina Kabaeva was reportedly a late starter as an athlete, but progressed swiftly due to her “extreme natural flexibility”. Her physical attributes earned her several medals and she also represented Russia at both the Sydney and Athens Olympic Games. Kabaeva's spokeswoman refused to comment the media reports.