Who Is Alina Kabaeva? Vladimir Putin’s Alleged Partner Sanctioned By US

Moscow: The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on Alina Kabaeva, a former Olympic gymnast and alleged romantic partner of Russian President Vladimir Putin , as part of its broader effort to penalize those associated with the Kremlin. Kabaeva, 39, now joins a list of Russian elites facing financial restrictions in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Treasury Targets Kabaeva in Sanctions Effort

The Treasury Department on Tuesday announced that Kabaeva’s close ties to Putin were a primary factor in her sanctions. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated, "Kabaeva has a close relationship to Putin" and emphasized that the sanctions aim to "impose severe costs for those who support President Vladimir Putin 's war." Yellen condemned the actions of Russian elites who, she says, have enriched themselves while the war continues to devastate Ukraine.

A Gymnast's Rise and Fall

Kabaeva is celebrated for her achievements in rhythmic gymnastics, having won 21 European Championship medals, 14 World Championship medals, and two Olympic medals, including a gold at the 2004 Athens Games. Her signature move, the "Kabaeva," earned her the title "Russia's most flexible woman." However, her career faced controversy in 2001 when she tested positive for the banned substance furosemide. Although she claimed the substance was from a tainted pill, she was briefly banned from competition and had to return her medals from the 2001 World Championship.

Political and Media Ventures

After retiring from gymnastics around 2007, Kabaeva entered politics, securing a seat in Russia's lower house of parliament with Putin’s United Russia party. She was known for her controversial advocacy for a law restricting foreign adoptions of Russian orphans. In 2014, she transitioned to the media sector, becoming chairwoman of Russia’s New Media Group, a pro-Kremlin media conglomerate. This organization has faced criticism for its portrayal of the Ukraine conflict, accused of framing Western views as disinformation.

Putin-Kabaeva Relationship Denied

Despite persistent rumors linking Kabaeva and Putin, neither has publicly confirmed the relationship. In 2008, during a press conference in Italy, Putin dismissed questions about Kabaeva, suggesting that such inquiries invade personal privacy. The rumors gained traction after a Russian tabloid claimed Putin planned to marry Kabaeva, but the publication was soon shut down.

Limited Impact of Sanctions

Kabaeva's inclusion in the U.S. sanctions list may have limited immediate impact, given that previous sanctions by the U.K. and EU have yet to significantly affect her. Rachel Ziemba, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, notes that it is unclear whether Kabaeva has significant financial assets in the U.S. and suggests she may have already mitigated the risk of such penalties.