Putin says daughters studying in Russia

President Vladimir Putin, in a rare comment on his family life, said Thursday his two adult daughters were studying in Russia and have never lived permanently abroad.

"They say - and it's true - that they live in Russia and have never left to live anywhere permanently," Putin said at his annual press conference, when asked to comment about his daughters' whereabouts and occupations.

"They were educated only in Russia, they have only studied in Russian universities," he said

"I am proud of them. They are studying and working," he said, adding they were fluent in three European languages. The languages were not identified.

Putin's daughters, Maria and Katerina, born in 1985 and 1986 respectively according to his official biography, are kept away from the limelight and the Russian president rarely discusses his personal life.

"They are taking their first steps in their careers and achieving good results," Putin said of his daughters, adding that they did not work in business or politics.

Putin did not confirm nor deny reports saying his daughter Katerina is running a prestigious project at Moscow State University.

"I have never discussed where exactly my daughters' work, what they do, and will not do so for many reasons, including security," the Russian president said.

Putin has maintained a veil of secrecy over his personal life, especially since he and his wife of 30 years, Lyudmila, divorced in 2013.