Denying he had 'completely gone wild' in his romantic life, the divorced strongman revealed that he 'loves' and is loved in return, but refused to disclose the identity of his mystery partner.

If true, it could mean that Russia's 'most eligible man' is no longer available.

Putin has been leading bachelor's life for more than a year since he split with wife Lyudmila after 30 years of marriage. 

The subject of Putin's private life has been seen as taboo in Moscow but yesterday he was asked by a journalist at his annual press conference if he had time for the opposite sex.

The 62 year old replied: 'I do, I tell you'.

By contrast, when reports first emerged six years ago linking him to Kabayeva, now 31, he angrily denounced 'those who with their snotty noses and erotic fantasies prowl into others' lives'.

It is more than a year since he broke from Lyudmila, mother of his two grown-up daughters who are never seen in public.

He told journalists on Thursday: 'A friend of mine from Europe, a big boss, recently asked me, after what happened last year: "Listen, is there a love in your life?"

'I say: "In what sense?" "Do you love anyone?" I say, "yes". 

"And does anyone love you?" I say, "yes". He must have decided that I had completely gone wild. 

'"Thank God", he said, before downing the vodka. Everything is fine. Do not worry.'

(dailymail.co.uk)