Beyond all the true international strife in our world, a lesser series of battles — those of sexual prowess — have been waged between various world leaders. So, after French president Nicolas Sarkozy’s recent conquest — that is, the courtship and marriage of aged supermodel Carla Bruni — dark horse Vladimir Putin has been a very, very bad boy. It seems that the Russian President has taken an extreme interest in a certain 24-year old young lady — model/waitress/gymnast Alina Kabaeva — who is well known for her “extreme flexibility” (see video) and celebrated performances “on the carpet.” Suddenly, Miss Kabaeva has been “promoted to deputy head of the Duma’s committee on youth affairs” even though she has little training or experience in governmental affairs. Hem hem.

Recently, a Moscow newspaper, Moscovski Korrespondent, reported that Mr. Putin’s marriage had ended in a secret divorce in February of this year. Since then, Putin has been spotted getting frisky with Miss Kabaeva in a Moscow restaurant. Rumours persist that Putin plans on marrying the young lady after he steps down from his office in June.

55-year-old Mr Putin seemed to enjoy playing up the image of a ladies’ man. Despite his denials, some commentators wondered whether the rumoured link with the gymnast might explain why Mr Putin suddenly posed topless for the cameras on a Siberian fishing holiday last summer. While his muscled and hairless torso were a particular hit among female and gay voters, perhaps he was simply trying to impress his new mistress.

The gymnast is one of a number of young and beautiful Russian dancers and athletes who, under Mr Putin’s patronage, have lately become deputies in the Duma - Russia’s lower parliament. Known as Putinskie Krasotki - “Putin’s Babes” - they were brought in with the cynical but successful aim of “sexing up” his United Russia party. One Russian spin-doctor boasted at the time of their arrival in the Duma: “We are now definitely ahead of all parties in terms of ladies with sex appeal among our MPs. These young women are full of energy and eagerness to become serious law-makers.”

Yeah, right. Naturally, the true point has been missed here, as usual. How could Vladimir Poontang do this to poor George?

(Inspector Flea was the tipster of this little gem. In my fit of hysterical laughter, I forgot to mention my source when I passed it on to Sondra, who totally ran with it with pure, unadulterated abandon. Good plan.)