Power is sexy. Just ask Russian President Vladimir Putin.

A Moscow newspaper reported that the Russian president has left his 50-year-old wife, Ludmilla, in favor of a 24-year-old gymnast, Alina Kabaeva.

Considering Kabaeva can bend over far enough to have her pudenda over her head, this may be a good move for Vladimir. Kabaeva, a rhythmic gymnast, got into modeling and has posed semi-naked many times.

Ludmilla Putin? Not so much. A common adjective used to describe Ludmilla is “matronly.”

A common adjective used to describe Kabaeva? “Hot.”

Vladimir is denying he has split — no pun intended — with his wife over his gymnast, but the newspaper did report seeing Vladimir kissing Kabaeva in a restaurant.

Remember, Vladimir is a politician and politicians never lie.

Vladimir does like the image of being a ladies man. He was photographed without his shirt on a fishing trip last year. When was the last time we saw a U.S. president without his shirt on in public? Lyndon Johnson showing off his gall bladder scar? Not sexy.

What do a gymnast and a president have in common? Considering Kabaeva’s extreme flexibility and ease on the eyes, who cares!

They do have a connection: Kabaeva is the deputy head of the Duma, Russia’s lower parliament, committee on youth affairs. “Youth affairs” is right!

Here’s the creepy factor: the Putins have two daughters, 23 and 21. It’s like Vladimir dating his daughters’ college classmate. Ewww.

Good luck, Mr. President — Kabaeva knows how to handle both clubs and balls.