Lyudmila Aleksandrovna Ocheretnaya, born on January 6, 1958, is a notable Russian linguist and the former First Lady of Russia, recognized primarily for her marriage to Vladimir Putin from 1983 until their divorce in 2014. This article explores her life, career, and significant contributions during and after her tenure as First Lady.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Lyudmila Aleksandrovna Ocheretnaya |
| Born | January 6, 1958 |
| Age | 67 years |
| Spouse | Artur Ocheretny (m. 2015), Vladimir Putin (m. 1983–2014) |
| Children | Maria Putina, Katerina Tikhonova |
| Education | Leningrad State University (Linguistics) |
| Career | Linguist, Former First Lady of Russia |
| Notable Roles | Curator of Russian language initiatives |
| Current Status | Active in philanthropy and business |
Early Life and Education
Lyudmila was born in Kaliningrad, Russia, to Alexander and Yekaterina Shkrebneva. Her father worked at the Kaliningrad Mechanical Plant. She pursued her education at Leningrad State University, where she specialized in linguistics, graduating in 1986 with a focus on the Spanish language and philology. This educational background laid the foundation for her later career in language and education.
Professional Career
Before her marriage to Vladimir Putin, Lyudmila worked as a flight attendant for Aeroflot. Following her marriage, she took on various roles, including teaching German at Leningrad State University from 1990 to 1994. Her professional journey reflects a commitment to education and language, which would later influence her initiatives as First Lady.
Marriage to Vladimir Putin
Lyudmila met Vladimir Putin at an Arkady Raikin concert in Leningrad in 1980. They married on July 28, 1983, and had two daughters: Maria, born in 1985, and Katerina, born in 1986. As Putin’s political career began to rise, Lyudmila maintained a relatively low profile, supporting him primarily through her presence and public statements.
Role as First Lady
Lyudmila served as the First Lady of Russia from 2000 to 2008 and again from 2012 to 2014. During her tenure, she focused on promoting the Russian language and culture. She was known for her opposition to proposed orthographic reforms, emphasizing the importance of preserving the Russian language. Lyudmila’s involvement in cultural initiatives underscored her dedication to education and the arts.
Public Image and Initiatives
Although she was not as publicly visible as some other political spouses, Lyudmila’s initiatives were significant. She curated a fund aimed at developing the Russian language and participated in various cultural events. Her role often revolved around supporting her husband’s political agenda while maintaining a distinct identity as an advocate for education.
Divorce from Vladimir Putin
In June 2013, Lyudmila and Vladimir announced their divorce during a public event, citing a mutual decision. This announcement ended years of speculation regarding their marriage, which had been under scrutiny due to Putin’s rising political power and public image. The divorce was finalized in April 2014, marking the end of their 30-year relationship.
Life After Divorce
Following her divorce, Lyudmila adopted the surname Ocheretnaya after marrying Artur Ocheretny in early 2015. She has continued to be involved in various philanthropic efforts and business ventures, including the establishment of the Centre for the Development of Inter-personal Communications (CDIC), which focuses on communication and cultural initiatives.
Controversies and Sanctions
In the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Lyudmila faced sanctions from the United Kingdom due to her perceived connections to state-owned entities and preferential business relationships. These sanctions reflect the broader geopolitical tensions surrounding Russia’s political landscape and its leaders.
Honors and Recognition
Lyudmila has received several honors throughout her career, including the “Educator of the Year” award from Komsomolskaya Pravda in 2002 and recognition as an honorary citizen of Kaliningrad. Her contributions to education and language have been acknowledged both domestically and internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Lyudmila Aleksandrovna Ocheretnaya?
Lyudmila Aleksandrovna Ocheretnaya is a Russian linguist and the former First Lady of Russia, married to Vladimir Putin from 1983 to 2014. She is known for her contributions to education and her advocacy for the Russian language.
What was Lyudmila’s role as First Lady of Russia?
As First Lady from 2000 to 2008 and again from 2012 to 2014, Lyudmila focused on promoting the Russian language and culture. She was involved in various cultural initiatives and served as a curator for a fund aimed at developing the Russian language.
When did Lyudmila and Vladimir Putin get divorced?
Lyudmila and Vladimir Putin announced their divorce in June 2013, which was finalized in April 2014 after 30 years of marriage.
What is Lyudmila doing after her divorce?
After her divorce, Lyudmila married Artur Ocheretny in 2015. She remains active in various philanthropic efforts and business ventures, including the Centre for the Development of Inter-personal Communications.
Has Lyudmila faced any controversies?
Yes, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, she was sanctioned by the United Kingdom due to her connections with state-owned entities.
Further Reading
