Putin officially divorces his wife

Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and his wife Lyudmila cross themselves during Easter service at Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow, April 15, 2001 file photo. [Photo/Agencies]

MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin has formally divorced his wife Lyudmila after more than 30 years of marriage, Kremlin spokesman said on Wednesday, following a surprise breakup announcement last year.

"The divorce has taken place," Dmitry Peskov said, without giving any further details.

Putin and his wife announced that their marriage was over last June in a live broadcast on Russian state television, confirming longstanding speculation that they had separated.

The Kremlin made clear at the time that their breakup had yet to be formalized.

In 2008, Putin said there was no truth to a newspaper report that he was preparing to marry Olympic rhythmic gymnast Alina Kabayeva, who was born in 1983, the same year he married Lyudmila.

Putin told journalists to keep their "snotty noses" out of his private affairs and the newspaper, Moskovsky Korrespondent, folded shortly afterwards.

Kabayeva, who was one of the torch bearers at the Sochi Olympics opening ceremony in February, also denied any relationship with Putin.