Lyudmila Putina
67 years old
Who is Lyudmila Putina?
Lyudmila Putina is a Russian linguist best known for serving as the First Lady of Russia from 2000 to 2008 during Vladimir Putin’s presidency. Throughout her public role, she was recognized for her efforts in preserving the Russian language and her discreet public presence.
Though primarily known as Vladimir Putin’s former wife, Lyudmila carved a quiet yet influential role in Russian cultural affairs. After her divorce from Putin, she re-emerged in public life following her marriage to businessman Artur Ocheretny.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 6, 1958, in Kaliningrad, Soviet Union, Lyudmila Aleksandrovna Shkrebneva grew up in a modest Russian household. Her father, Alexander Abramovich Shkrebnev, worked at a local factory, while her mother, Yekaterina Shkrebneva, was a homemaker.
Lyudmila has one sister named Olga Alexandrovna. From a young age, she showed strong academic abilities, especially in languages.
She earned a degree in Spanish language and philology from Leningrad State University in 1986. Her academic background laid the foundation for her professional work as a linguist and language educator.
Career and Public Life
Linguistic Work
Lyudmila began her career as a flight attendant on domestic Russian airlines but later transitioned into language instruction. She taught German at Leningrad State University before focusing on her linguistic interests in a more formal capacity.
During her time as First Lady, Lyudmila supported various cultural projects. She became the curator of a state fund to preserve and promote the Russian language, showing particular concern for orthographic reforms. Her vocal opposition to modernizing Russian spelling gained attention in academic and political circles.
Role as First Lady (2000–2008)
When Vladimir Putin rose to power, Lyudmila remained a behind-the-scenes figure. She rarely gave interviews and made limited public appearances, aligning with the Kremlin’s reserved approach to family exposure.
Despite her low profile, she was actively involved in initiatives concerning language education, Russian heritage, and cultural preservation. She succeeded Naina Yeltsina as First Lady and continued the tradition of minimal political engagement while supporting social causes.
Personal Life
Marriage to Vladimir Putin
Lyudmila married Vladimir Putin on July 28, 1983, after a long courtship. The couple had two daughters: Mariya Putina and Yekaterina (Katya) Putina, both of whom have remained out of the public eye for privacy and security reasons.
After nearly 30 years of marriage, Lyudmila and Putin officially announced their separation in 2013. Their divorce was finalized shortly afterward. Although the exact reasons for their separation remain private, both emphasized mutual respect and a desire for personal growth.
Marriage to Artur Ocheretny
In 2015, Lyudmila quietly remarried. Her second husband is Artur Ocheretny, a businessman and cultural foundation director, who is 21 years her junior. Their relationship drew public interest due to the age difference, but the couple appears to have found lasting companionship.
The two reportedly held a private wedding ceremony attended by close friends and family. Since then, Lyudmila has lived mostly outside of the media spotlight.
Public Perception and Controversies
Lyudmila Putina has largely avoided political controversy. However, her opposition to orthographic reforms in Russia drew criticism from some language experts. She argued that such changes were unnecessary and poorly timed, especially during a period of political transformation.
Although her detractors accused her of halting linguistic progress, many academics and citizens supported her efforts to protect traditional Russian spelling and grammar.
Interesting Facts
- Lyudmila speaks Russian, German, and Spanish fluently.
- She worked as a flight attendant before becoming a language teacher.
- Her daughters have never made official public appearances alongside their parents.
- Despite being Russia’s First Lady for eight years, she kept an exceptionally private profile.
FAQs About Lyudmila Putina
1. Who is Lyudmila Putina married to now?
She is currently married to Artur Ocheretny, whom she wed in 2015.
2. How many children does Lyudmila Putina have?
She has two daughters, Mariya and Yekaterina, from her first marriage to Vladimir Putin.
3. Why did Lyudmila and Putin divorce?
The couple announced their separation in 2013, citing personal differences and mutual agreement. Specific reasons were not made public.
4. What is Lyudmila Putina known for?
She is known as a former First Lady of Russia, a linguist, and an advocate for preserving the Russian language.
5. Does Lyudmila Putina appear in public?
She maintains a very private lifestyle and is rarely seen in the media.
