Alina Kabaeva
Alina Kabaeva, the woman often rumored to be Russian President Vladimir Putin’s long-time lover, has resurfaced after weeks of speculation surrounding her whereabouts. Recent reports suggested she might be under “house arrest” at Putin’s secret forest palace, fueled by rumors of the president’s alleged heart attack.
The last known sighting of Kabaeva was on October 22, but she has now been observed overseeing training at her gymnastics academy in Sochi, dispelling earlier speculations. These rumors intensified after unverified reports of Putin’s death, later denied by the Kremlin.
Kabaeva’s reappearance coincided with the conclusion of a 40-day mourning period observed by the Russian Orthodox Church. Videos released by her academy on December 7 showed Kabaeva appearing unsmiling, wearing a wedding ring, sparking new speculations about a potential secret marriage to Putin.
Previous claims suggested Kabaeva had been virtually under house arrest at Putin’s forest palace, where she allegedly objected to the confinement, leading to disruptions and urgent medical assistance. Some theories even proposed her absence was due to plastic surgery.
The alleged relationship between Putin and Kabaeva has been a subject of speculation for 15 years, yet the Russian president has never publicly acknowledged it. Kabaeva, an Olympic Gold-winning rhythmic gymnast, has become a prominent figure and is often regarded as Russia’s undeclared first lady.
As Putin, who is expected to run in the 2024 presidential elections, maintains a private stance, guarding details about his personal life and family, the saga surrounding Kabaeva’s reappearance continues to fuel intrigue and speculation about the secretive aspects of Putin’s personal life.
