Putin Reappears In Public After 10-day Absence: Reports

Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared in public for the first time since March 5, news reports said Monday, breaking an uncharacteristically long break from the public eye. Putin was photographed shaking hands with Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev before the two began a meeting near Saint Petersburg, according to French news agency AFP. Putin wouldn't explain his absence, and said of rumors about his health that "it would be boring without gossip," according to Russian state news agency RIA.