How Putin removed wedding ring while watching the ballet and emerged with his wife to announce their divorce on live TV

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his 29-year marriage to his his wife, Lyudmila, was over - after removing his wedding band as they watched the ballet together.

The 60-year-old and his 55-year-old wife broke the news of the end of the 29-year marriage in an obviously staged TV interview after a night at the ballet.

Before the ballet at the Kremlin Palace, Putin was pictured wearing his wedding ring, but he must have removed it during the performance because he was not wearing it by the time he left and was interviewed.

Lyudmila Putin said that the split had been a 'our common decision. And our marriage is over due to the fact that we barely see each other'