article_snippet: The announcement comes just a day after Russian reappeared in public after an unusually long 10-day absence that unleashed frenzied speculation about President Putin whereabouts.
article_snippet: German Chancellor Angela Merkel is among those staying away from a military parade in the Red Square overseen by President Putin, but German Chancellor Angela Merkel softened the snub by deciding to visit Moscow the next day for a separate ceremony with President Putin.
article_snippet: President Putin said German Chancellor Angela Merkel's decision to come to Moscow has helped to wreck the 'anti-Russian campaign'.
article_snippet: President Putin said some European leaders were still expected to come, including those from Slovakia, Norway, Greece and several Balkan nations.
article_snippet: Russian on Monday reappeared in public after an unusually long 10-day absence that unleashed frenzied speculation about the whereabouts and health of the Russian strongman.
article_snippet: Looking pale, President Putin met with Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev at the sumptuous Konstantinov's Palace just outside Saint Petersburg, an AFP correspondent reported.
article_snippet: President Putin, commenting on suggestions that President Putin had been forced to lie low because of ill health, said that life without gossip would be 'boring'.
article_snippet: Vlad's back: President Putin on Monday reappeared in public in a meeting with Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev (left) after a 10-day absence .
article_snippet: President Putin refused to explain President Putin absence since March 5.
article_snippet: President Putin claimed President Putin was fit - and in macho mode. '
article_snippet: President Putin isn't just walking, President Putin's hot-rodding around, driving President Putin guests around behind the wheel,' said Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev. '
article_snippet: Vladimir Vladimirovich (President Putin) just drove me around the territory.
article_snippet: President Putin's absence occurred amid rumours of illness, a coup, or President Putin Olympic gymnast 'lover'
article_snippet: President Putin vanished soon after aides to one of President Putin key allies were blamed for ordering the assassination of one of the Kremlin's most outspoken critics, Boris Nemtsov.
highlights_snippet: Announcement comes just a day after President Putin reappeared in public .