Putin's inner circle sheds light on "sinister, lonely life"

More than a week after the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, the world's attention remains focused on Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Despite his leading role on the world stage, Putin has remained much a mystery. Now, interviews with members of his inner circle, done over the course of more than three years and revealed in Newsweek's recent cover story, portray much more about the life he leads beyond the public eye, CBS News correspondent Michelle Miller reports.

In public, Putin is known for his icy stare, seemingly impenetrable, much like the life he leads.

"He doesn't talk," one interpreter told Newsweek writer Ben Judah. "He feels no need to smile."

The interpreter was one of dozens of sources who spoke to Judah about the side of Putin the public does not see.

"The question of what does Putin do every day I think is a huge, important question," Judah said.

Photos of the shirtless president horseback riding and fishing have given us a glimpse of his personal life.

Russian President Vladimir Putin holds a big pike he caught while fishing

AP

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Putin's inner circle sheds light on "sinister, lonely life"