Putin’s Rumored Girlfriend Alina Kabaeva Hit With U.S. Sanctions

Topline

The U.S. Treasury on Tuesday announced sanctions against Alina Kabaeva, the head of a pro-Kremlin media holding company, who has for years been rumored to be Russian President Vladimir Putin’s girlfriend.

Key Facts

Kabaeva, whom the Treasury said in a statement Tuesday “has a close relationship” with Putin, has since 2014 led the National Media Group, a collection of pro-Kremlin print, television and radio outlets that is Russia’s largest privately held media conglomerate, according to the company.

She was a member of the Russian parliament from 2007 until 2014 affiliated with United Russia, the political party controlled by Putin.

U.S. officials previously considered sanctioning Kabaeva earlier this year, but held back to “avoid an escalation,” according to the New York Times.

Key Background

Putin has long denied a romantic relationship with Kabaeva. However, U.S. officials believe Kabaeva is his girlfriend and mother to at least three of his children, according to the Wall Street Journal. She and her children are believed to be living in Switzerland. Before becoming involved in the Russian government, Kabaeva was a professional rhythmic gymnast and is one of the most decorated athletes in the history of the sport, having won two Olympic medals and placed in 14 World Championships.

Further Reading

Here Are All The Sanctions Targeting Putin After U.K. Sanctions His Ex-Wife, Rumored Girlfriend (Forbes)

U.S. Withholds Sanctions on a Very Close Putin Associate: His Reputed Girlfriend (WSJ)