"Next year, the sandwich named for you at the corner deli will be tofu and sprouts, not pastrami with roasted peppers and Russian dressing, " she told him.

WSJ: Bonds: To Stick to New Year's Resolutions, Try Outsourcing Them

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