Ronnie, 61, reportedly told 20-year-old Ekaterina Ivanova his relationship with wife Jo has effectively been over for five years.
Ekaterina's close friends insist she has a clear conscience about the relationship and has fallen in love with the alcoholic Rolling Stones guitarist.
One pal told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "Ronnie told her although he still lives with his wife, their marriage has been dead for more than five years."
She has totally fallen for him and had no reason to disbelieve him. "Ekaterina is adamant she has done nothing wrong. Ronnie had told her his marriage was over, and as far as she's concerned she's not to blame if it ends in divorce."
"She said they were like any other young couple in love, except he is a 61-year-old millionaire."
The pair have been holed up in Ronnie's Irish retreat in County Kildare where the guitarist is said to be drinking two bottles of vodka a day.
Yesterday (July 14, 2008), it was revealed Jo – Ronnie's wife of 23 years – had told him their marriage was over in a furious voice mail message.
Ronnie had originally promised to return to England and enter rehab yesterday.
However, he was spotted leaving exclusive golf resort the K Club in Ireland with his son Jesse, 30, from his first marriage, last night.
His only comment was: "Things are difficult right now."
Ronnie's two children with Jo, Leah, 29, and Tyrone, 24, have reportedly vowed not to speak to their father until he gets sober.
A source close to the family said: "They are disgusted about what he is doing to Jo. He was supposed to fly back for rehab but stayed in Ireland."
"It was all booked and paid for. Until he changes his ways his kids aren't interested."
Ronnie met Ekaterina in a London escort club where she was working as a waitress.
She then became a model for the keen painter and even met Jo, 53, who thought their relationship was innocent.
