Vladimir Putin moved swiftly to put to rest rumors he was planning to divorce his wife to marry a 24-year-old former gymnast and current member of parliament. During a visit to Italy, the lame duck Russian president assured reporters that there was "not a single word of truth" to the tabloid story that broke yesterday, the BBC reports.
"I have always reacted negatively to those who with their snotty noses and erotic fantasies prowl into others' lives," said Putin—who nevertheless admitted to appreciating his countrywomen's charms. "I don't think I will offend anyone if I say that I, personally, consider that our Russian women are the most talented and the most beautiful." (More Lyudmila Putin stories.)