@ Ivona

What is it with that pathological Polish hatered for Russians? Is it because we didn't let Poland colonise us in 1612 and convert Russia into your Catholic sect?

Ivan, Moscow, Russia

First of all, simple fact that this article has appeared demonstrates freedom in Russian printed mass media.
I personally see 2 possible reasons for appearance of this tale in press:
1) The Moscow newspaper market is quite dense, with different opinions published everyday. It is very difficult for a newcomer to gain public recognition so they decided to become familiar to everybody with a scandal.
2) Indeed, as mentioned in the article, somebody could want to discredit this newpaper and/or its owner so fed it with fake information.

Mikhail, Moscow,

"Mr Berlusconi mimed firing a rifle at the journalist who had dared to raise the rumours."
probably mr. berlusconi doesn't know that be a journalist in Russia is very dangerous.
since 2002 are 15 the journalists killed in Russia.

outrageous.

liyn, bologna, italy

Intersting that the article refers to the FSB murder Anna Politkovskaya, but no mention is made of what they did to Sasha Litvinenko. I guess that story is still too hot to touch.

Guy L, San Francisco, Califonia, USA

James, he said he liked all russian women, not only young and beautiful.

Andrei, London, UK

I have published my first article about Putin - Kabaeva marriage rumors on April 16, see the link below. Today I collected all available information on the development of that story, which really spinned world-wide.
In Russia, where the media are submitted to a tight control, it seems rather unlikely that a Moscow-based paper could spread uncormirmed news about the (former) President and still the most powerful man in the country. Far from any conspiracy theories, I could only conclude that the spicy story was not an "accident." Either some influential people wanted to discredit Putin, or his own propaganda machine went "one bridge too far" in their efforts to make him popular. Don't miss the fact that Putin himself entertained young women in the past ,and that he had encouraged several popular young champions and artists to join the United Russia party and become MPs. The FSB reacted in a typical KGB style, no wonder.
http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/26

DAVID DASTYCH , Warsaw, Poland

Alexey,

How does a 24 year old gymnast become a parliamentarian? I think that is the reason why this story is interesting.

I do agree that public people have a right to privacy but privacy cannot be a defense for abuse of power.

And what about shutting down a paper for this? wow!!! again, it's an abuse of power.

kenneth, hollywood,

Duel?

I would prefer to see Mr. Putin challenge his accuser to a duel rather than send thugs to close down a newspaper. But that wouldn't be the Soviet way, would it?

steve, kiev, ukraine

To James: He never said that. And with all wisdom he has got no chance he would say anything stupid, so don't make him "sad old man" please.

Andrei, London, UK

I believe Sarkozy's wife left him to be with another man, he did not leave her. Though I confess, his divorce did seem easy and he did hastily remarry.

Mary, Atlanta, US

In the times of mass media one would have to fight at least ten duels a day. Unrealistic, to say the least. But what's with the morbid serenity when Putin's name comes up? Dear Russians - it is OK to critisize your leaders. What time is democracy in Russia? This century, or will it take longer?

Ivona, Warsaw, Poland

I guess that everybody, including Russian president has a right for privacy. Love, marriage, family matters are nobodys business but Mr. Putin . So let him and his family alone. In a good old days such nosing and dirt throwing would ended up in duel. Sometimes I am sorry that these days are gone...

Alexey, Moscow, Russia

"... "not a word of truth" in reports that he had left his wife for a 25-year-old Russian gymnast...Mr Putin was asked by a Russian journalist if rumours that he had divorced his wife Ludmilla and was about to marry Alina Kabaeva, 24, were true."

Is she 25 or 24?

John, York, UK

That was a yes, then.

David, Bromley,

absolutely hilarious from start to finish.

"parties featuring fireworks and his own songs".

classic!!

b ruff, london, uk

He admires "young beautiful women"? Really? What exactly does he admire in them? What have they done then, other than be young and beautiful? Is this something to be "admired"? What a pitiful thing to hear any man say. What a sad old man.

James, London, UK