Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly confirmed he is in love, but pointedly refused to reveal the identity of the woman who has captured his heart.
A Rare Glimpse into Putin's Private World
The surprising admission came during his annual end-of-year press conference and Q&A session in Moscow. In an exchange that appeared to be a planted question from state media, the divorced Russian leader was asked directly if he was in love. Putin, who is notoriously secretive about his personal life, replied with a simple 'yes'.
This rare peek into his private affairs has ignited intense speculation across Russia and beyond. The immediate assumption for many was that he was alluding to his long-rumoured, 18-year relationship with Alina Kabaeva, a 42-year-old former Olympic gold-medal winning rhythmic gymnast.
Secret Families and Hidden Palaces
Putin and Kabaeva are widely believed to share two young children who live under pseudonyms: ten-year-old Ivan Spirodonov and his six-year-old brother, Vladimir Spirodonov. Reports suggest the family resides with Putin in his various secluded residences across Russia, though he never publicly acknowledges them.
Some analysts suggest the 73-year-old leader may be preparing to finally acknowledge this secret family after years of concealment. An alternative theory posits that the hard-faced autocrat is attempting to soften his public image by showing he is capable of romantic love.
However, the president's romantic history is reported to be complex. Investigative journalists from the outlet Proekt alleged this year that Putin had an affair with an underage beauty pageant contestant while with Kabaeva. Alisa Kharcheva was reportedly 17 when she was first involved with Putin, then 58, with visits arranged during Kabaeva's absences.
A History of Concealed Relationships
This is not the only clandestine relationship attributed to the Russian president. He also had a long-term affair with Svetlana Krivonogikh, now 50, a banker and former striptease club owner. This relationship allegedly produced a daughter, Luiza (real name Elizaveta Krivonogikh), who is now 22. Luiza, who lives in Paris, recently expressed regret to a Ukrainian journalist whose brother was killed in the war, stating she was 'not responsible for this situation'.
Putin was formally married to Lyudmila Putina until their divorce in 2014. They have two adult daughters together: Maria, 40, and Katerina, 39. A recent book claims that while Putin publicly champions traditional family values, he personally prefers 'free' relationships and has been with 'a multitude of women'.
The Russian leader has always fiercely guarded his privacy, once stating: 'I have a private life in which I do not permit interference. It must be respected.' He has previously criticised those who, in his words, 'with their snotty noses and erotic fantasies prowl into others' lives'. Despite this latest tantalising admission, the full truth about Vladimir Putin's love life remains, as ever, shrouded in secrecy.
