NEW : The story is just a humorous anecdote , a Kraft spokesman said . Russian President Vladimir Putin says he received the ring as a gift . It belonged to New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft . Putin was handed the ring during Kraft 's visit to St. Petersburg in 2005 .
NEW : The story is just a humorous anecdote , a Kraft spokesman says . Russian President Vladimir Putin says he got the ring as a gift . It belonged to New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft . Putin was handed the ring during Kraft 's visit to St. Petersburg in 2005 .