Vladimir Putin: Russian leader dismisses 'gossip' over absence

Russian President Vladimir Putin has laughed off speculation about his health after making his first appearance in public since 5 March.

Life “would be boring without gossip”, he told Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev at talks in St Petersburg.

The 62-year-old appeared relaxed and smiled before the television cameras.

His disappearance from public view had sparked rumours that he might have fallen ill, died, been removed in a coup, or once again become a father.

Earlier on Monday, Mr Putin ordered the Russian navy’s Northern Fleet on to a state of full combat readiness in the Arctic.

It came as more than 45,000 troops, as well as warplanes and submarines, started major military exercises across northern Russia.

‘Excellent form’

A brief video of Mr Putin’s meeting with his Kyrgyz counterpart at the Constantine Palace in Russia’s second city was broadcast by state television without sound.

Vladimir Putin: Russian leader dismisses 'gossip' over absence