Putin’s Rumoured Girlfriend Makes First Public Appearance Since Sanctions; Who Is Alina?

Moscow: Alina Kabaeva, Vladimir Putin’s rumoured girlfriend, made her first public appeared since the Western countries imposed sanctions for her ties with the Russian President.

Alina was seen at a gathering for young gymnasts at Sochi, the Black Sea resort city, in a video published by Russian outlet IZ.RU.

UK imposed travel bans and asset freezes on Alina and her grandmother Anna Zatseplina, along with Putin’s ex-wife Lyudmila Ocheretnaya, in May over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Alina was last seen in public in Moscow in April.

So who is this Alina Kabaeva?

Alina is one of the most decorated rhythmic gymnasts, having won 2 Olympic, 14 World Championship and 21 European Championship medals. However, she was also involved in a doping scandal which saw her serving a two-year ban.

Now 39 years old, Alina was a media manager after retirement before becoming a politician.

Born in Tashkent in united Russia, Alina was a Member of Russian Parliament — State Duma — between 2007 and 2014, representing the United Russia party. According to Wiki, she voted in favour of several controversial laws which were adopted in 2012 and 2013.

Alina, 30 years younger to Putin, is believed to be a long-time mistress of the Russian President and is rumoured to have a family with him.

Putin, who is very secretive about his private life, has never confirmed the nature of his relationship with Alina.