Alina Kabaeva, the Olympic rhythmic gymnastics champion rumoured to be Vladimir Putin's secret partner and mother of his two sons, has been seen in public for the first time since being sanctioned by Western governments. The 39-year-old appeared at a training camp in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, where she spoke to 28 young gymnasts.
Kabaeva, who heads the pro-Kremlin National Media Group, wore white trousers, a lilac blouse and a matching cardigan, with white-framed sunglasses. News outlet Moskovsky Komsomolets noted she had 'lost quite a lot of weight' and described her outfit as expensive and stylish.
In her address to the children, Kabaeva said: 'I want to urge everyone not to give up - reach your goals, do not lose heart.' Her appearance comes as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, and follows a Telegram channel branding her the 'invisible princess'.
Kabaeva was sanctioned by the UK last month, followed by Canada and the EU, over her alleged close personal relationship with Putin. The UK stated she 'is alleged to have a close personal relationship with Putin', while the EU labelled her a 'close associate'. The US has so far resisted imposing sanctions.
Speculation about her relationship with Putin has been rife for years, with rumours of two sons born in 2015 and 2019. However, the Russian media largely avoids the topic. Her reappearance is only her second public outing this year, and journalists did not question her about the sanctions or her private life.
