Mr Assad's last public comments were in November, when he told Russian TV he would "live and die in Syria".

BBC: Syria's Assad denounces 'puppet' opponents in TV address

In an address to delegates broadcast on Russian TV, she called on people to adopt a more positive outlook on life.

BBC: Russia spy Anna Chapman given pro-Kremlin youth role

She and her husband try to instill in him an awareness of Russian culture through maps, books and TV shows about Russia.

CNN: Families 'in limbo' after Russian adoption ban

However, last month, in a dressing-down broadcast on TV, the Russian leader rebuked Mr Govorun for failing to deliver on his election promises to help people living in sub-standard housing in the regions.

BBC: Travel ban for Russian anti-Putin activist Udaltsov

In an untucked shirt and slipping bifocals, he gave an interview to the Russian TV channel Rossiya 1.

NEWYORKER: L��?tranger

The recruitment note alleged by the FSB to have been recovered from Mr. Fogle was posted Tuesday in a photograph released by the FSB and published on the website of RT, a state-controlled Russian TV channel.

WSJ: Russia to Expel U.S. Diplomat