At a time when India and a few other countries are appealing to Russia and Ukraine to sit at the table and have peace talks to stop the ongoing war, Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to be facing another major controversy regarding his personal life. US media NYP cited a newly released investigative saying that the Russian President share secret sons with his long-time love interest Alina Kabaeva. The report suggests that Vladimir Putin and Alina Kabaeva have two children named Ivan Putin and Vladimir Putin Jr. Notably, Vladimir Putin's love story with Alina Kabaeva is not new in the global media. The Kremlin has denied any relationship between Vladimir Putin (71) and Kabaeva, 41, for years. However, media speculation linking the two romantically has persisted for more than a decade. Now, the question arises who is Alina Kabaeva, Russian President Vladimir Putin's alleged girlfriend and what did the new investigative report allege? Below is what we know so far-
Who is Alina Kabaeva?
Alina Kabaeva is a renowned gymnast and rumored longtime love interest of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Before stepping into the world of politics, Alina Kabaeva was rhythmic gymnast, who has been designated Honoured Master of Sports by the Russian government. Alina Kabaeva is one of the most decorated gymnasts in rhythmic gymnastic history, with 2 Olympic medals, 14 World Championship medals, and 21 European Championship medals.
It is said that Alina Kabaeva has been in a relationship with Vladimir Putin since 2008. However, neither Putin nor Alina Kabaeva ever confirmed it. Still, sources close to them confirm that Alina Kabaeva and Putin share a special bond and romantic relationship.
Vladimir Putin-Alina Kabaeva Lovestory & Vladimir Putin's secret children
As per reports, the investigative report was first published by the Dossier Center before being recirculated by “The Moscow Times”. As per the dossier, Putin and Kabaeva started dating each other in early 2008, roughly four years after she claimed gold at the Athens Olympics.
In 2015, Putin & Alina allegedly welcomed their first son, Ivan, at the Sant’Anna maternity clinic in Lugano, Switzerland. Four years later, in 2019, their second son, Vladimir Putin Jr, was reportedly born in Moscow.
Vladimir Putin's alleged secret sons live secluded lives in their father’s mansion located in Valdai National Park, a remote estate northwest of Moscow. To keep them away from media attention and publish life, Putin's sons' lives are filled with the presence of nannies, governesses, and sports coaches.
Ivan and Vladimir Jr. rarely interact with children their own age, spending most of their time alone or with adults appointed by the Russian President to oversee their development. The investigative report further alleged that the children only see their parents late at night and only meet their peers during large celebratory gatherings. Ivan and Vladimir Jr. are reportedly taught by governesses and teachers recruited from the website English Nanny.
Vladimir Putin's publically known children
Vladimir Putin has two officially acknowledged children – Maria, 37, and Katerina, 35, both from his first wife Lyudmila Ocheretnaya. It is alleged that Dr. Maria Vorontsova was born when the Russian president was a KGB spy in Germany. Putin and Lyudmila Putina ended their marriage in 2013.