Russian President Vladimir Putin has given a rare glimpse into his private life by hosting a reporter for a tour of his personal residence. The Russian leader, who is marking 25 years in power, showed off his luxury gym, kitchen with expensive appliances and large dining area complete with a grand piano as he opened the doors to his luxury apartment.

During the tour, he discussed the war in Ukraine, his “hopes” to avoid using nuclear weapons and a potential succession plan. Putin, who is the second longest serving Russian leader behind Joseph Stalin, attempted to show he remains in touch with ordinary Russians as he prepares to celebrate a quarter of a century in power. He said: “I continue to breathe the very same air as millions of Russian citizens. It is very important. God willing that it continues as long as possible. And that it doesn’t disappear.”

The authoritarian appears to live within the Kremlin's fortified compound, in a luxury apartment adorned with gold, chandeliers, paintings, and a white grand piano.

In the footage, Putin can be seen offering to make a cup of tea for state TV reporter Pavel Zarubin in a kitchen with a £200 Australian-made blender and a £400 Turkish coffee maker.

Later on, the former KGB Colonel, who is well known for his desire to appear strong, showed off his private gym, kitted out with cardio equipment, weights and resistance machines.

As part of the tour, Putin also showed Zarubin around two bedrooms, a dark-wood-lined library and a small 'home church.'

A portrait of Russian Emperor Alexander III is prominently displayed on a table.

The Russian President is highly secretive about his private life, with little known about his luxury properties across the country and his family life.

Throughout the interview, Putin discusses various topics, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, a conflict that he says he hopes nuclear weapons “will not be required".

He said: “There has been no need to use those nuclear weapons and I hope they will not be required.

“We have enough strength and means to bring what was started in 2022 to a logical conclusion with the outcome Russia requires.”

Last year, Putin won a landslide election, although few outsides of Russia believe that the contest was held fairly or freely.

In discussion on a potential successor to lead the country, Putin was prepared to discuss the topic in a roundabout way.

He said: “I think that there should be a person, or rather several people, so that the people have a choice.”

Moscow is set to hold a Victory Day Parade which is likely to see Chinese leader Xi Jinping attend although it is expected that the several leaders of EU nations who received invites will avoid the ceremony.