Grinning Vladimir Putin makes rare admission about his personal life in public Q&A

The question appeared to have been planted by state media.

A journalist asked: "You said today that you believe love at first sight exists. Vladimir [Putin], are you in love?"

The 73-year-old, who is divorced, declined to identify the woman.

Mr Putin is notorious for keeping details of his personal life hidden from public view.

He has said in the past: "I have a private life in which I do not permit interference. It must be respected," and has criticised "those who with their snotty noses and erotic fantasies prowl into others' lives".

He did not elaborate on his answer on Friday - nor did he provide any further information about his romantic situation.

The admission has fuelled speculation that Mr Putin may be referring to Alina Kabaeva, a 42-year-old Olympic gold medallist in rhythmic gymnastics.

The pair are said to have been in a secret relationship for 18 years - and even allegedly have two sons together: Ivan Spirodonov, 10, and Vladimir Spirodonov, aged six, who both live under fake names.

The family reportedly resides with Mr Putin across his various hidden residences throughout Russia.

The president has never publicly acknowledged them.

Some observers believe Putin may be preparing to finally reveal his relationship and secret family after years of secrecy.

Others suggest the notoriously stern leader simply wished to present a softer image to the Russian public by demonstrating he is capable of love.

Reports have also emerged of the Russian premier's alleged involvement with an underage beauty pageant contestant.

Russian investigative journalists claim Alisa Kharcheva was just 17 when she was first seduced by the then-prime minister, who was 58 at the time.

According to the outlet Proekt, the schoolgirl visited Mr Putin regularly when Ms Kabaeva was away from his residence.

"The girl visited the [then] Prime Minister regularly - these visits naturally coincided with the departures from the residence of Alina Kabaeva, who by then was already Putin's main partner," the publication reported.

Mr Putin is also said to have conducted a lengthy affair with Svetlana Krivonogikh, now 50, who works as a banker and owns a striptease club.

This relationship produced a daughter named Luiza, now 22, whose real name is Elizaveta Krivonogikh.

Putin has never publicly acknowledged Luiza, who now lives in Paris - where she was recently ambushed by a Ukrainian journalist whose brother was killed in a Russian strike.

"I'm really sorry that this is happening," she told him. "Unfortunately, I'm not responsible for this situation."

A recent book claims Putin publicly champions traditional marriage whilst preferring "free" relationships and sleeping with "a multitude of women" himself.