By: Ellen Cans
Russian president Vladimir Putin has reportedly sent his beloved to safety in Switzerland.
As reported by the Mirror, the 69-year-old Russian leader has hidden his lover and their children “somewhere” in the country known for being neutral. Alina Kabaeva, one of the most decorated gymnasts in history, reportedly has four children with Putin, though he has not publicly acknowledged that they are his. A source told Page Six, “While Putin carries out his assault on the Ukraine, attacking innocent citizens and causing a refugee crisis, his family is holed up in a very private and very secure chalet somewhere in Switzerland – for now, at least.” The source added that, “Alina has two young boys and twin girls with Putin who were born in Switzerland…The kids all have Swiss passports, and I imagine she does also.” Incidentally, Switzerland has previously announced that it will adopt all the sanctions imposed by the European Union against Russia.
Kabaeva, 38, is a politician, media manager, and retired Olympic gold medal champion gymnast. During her career as a rhythmic gymnast, Kabaeva won two Olympic medals, 14 World Championship medals, and 21 European Championship medals.
Putin keeps his private life a secret and has done his best to keep his children far from the spotlight. Putin has previously referred to people who pry into his life, slamming them as “those who with their snotty noses and erotic fantasies prowl into others’ lives”. He has said: “I have a private life in which I do not permit interference. It must be respected.”
Putin was previously married to Lyudmila Shkrebneva Putina from 1983 to 2013, for some 30 years. In 2014, it was heard that they were getting a divorce. When questioned about it, the Russian President admitted on state television that the rumors are true and that he and his wife no longer lived together, and that she was “done with her shift” as Russia’s First Lady. Even she had only ever appeared in the spotlight when required by protocol during his years in power. Lyudmila had commented after the divorce to say, “Our marriage is over due to the fact that we barely see each other”. She added, “Vladimir is completely submerged in his work. Our children have grown up, each of them is living their own life… and I truly don’t like publicity.”
Putin, formerly a member of the communist party until it was banned in 1991, was re-elected in 2018 to serve another six years. Putin has been in power since 2000, making him the longest serving Kremlin leader since the Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin.
