Unprecedented moment in Putin's marathon press conference. The personal question he answered with one word

Vladimir Putin says he is in love, TASS news agency reports on Friday, from the Russian president's marathon press conference.

As every year, Putin spoke on a wide range of topics, from the war in Ukraine, to the economy, education, culture, technology and the future of Russia. This year the press conference was combined with a live phone call session where ordinary Russians can ask him questions, according to the Kremlin. TASS calculated that Putin spoke on more than 70 different topics.

One of the callers asked if he believed in “the existence of love at first sight.”

“I think so,” Putin replied.

A journalist resumed the subject a few minutes later:

“You said today that you believe there is love at first sight. Vladimir Vladimirovich, are you in love?”

“Yes,” answered the “laconic and confident head of state,” according to TASS.

The West has imposed sanctions on Putin's alleged mistress

Putin spoke for 4 hours and 27 minutes during the press conference combined with the direct telephone line, and then continued to take questions from those present in the room.

His personal life has been the subject of much speculation in recent years, with him maintaining a celibate image following his 2014 divorce from his wife, Ludmila Putina, with whom he has two daughters.

However, Russian media believe that Putin has been in a relationship with Alina Kabaeva, a former Russian world-class gymnast, for years.

Both the United States, the European Union and Britain have imposed sanctions against it since 2022 after Putin launched the invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions against her were imposed due to suspicions that she manages a large part of Vladimir Putin's wealth.