Vladimir Putin sheds light on mysterious daughters

MOSCOW -- President Vladimir Putin expounded on a topic Thursday on which he is rarely drawn; his family.

The long-time Russian strongman was asked about his two daughters during an annual end-of-the-year news conference, and he gave more information on the young women who have an incredibly low public profile given their father's larger-than-life persona.

"They live in Russia and have never gone anywhere to live permanently.

They have never received education anywhere but in Russia. They studied only in Russian universities," Putin said, according to the Reuters news agency.

He said his two daughters, Maria and Katerina, speak more than three languages each, including European and Asian ones.

"I am proud of them. They continue to study and work," said Putin in response to a question from the Russian media.

"They make first steps in their careers and they are successful. I never discuss questions related to my family. They are not involved in business, and they are not involved in politics. They are not pushing for this," Putin said.

"To speak about where my daughters work and what exactly they do -- I have never done it before and I am not going to do it now for a great many reasons including security reasons. And generally I believe that every person has the right to his or her own destiny."

He insisted his girls "have never been 'star' children and have never enjoyed being in the spotlight. They simply live their lives and do it with great dignity," Putin said.

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