Former Russian gymnast Alina Kabaeva, rumoured to be President Vladimir Putin’s girlfriend, could be targeted with sanctions. The European Union has included her name in the sixth tranche of measures against Russia in its response to its war on Ukraine, news agency Agencies has reported.
Kabaeva occupies the top position at National Media Group, which has stakes in almost all key government-controlled media houses. She is being considered for sanctions for promoting Russian propaganda as well as her association with Putin.
Recently, she had urged Russians to support their country’s war on Ukraine, CNN reported.
The European Union has not yet approved the draft proposing sanctions on Kabaeva. Member states can still decide to take off any names from the list or add to it.
If the sanctions against Kabaeva are approved, her assets will be frozen and she will be banned from entering the EU.
Kabaeva is an Olympic medal-winning gymnast. She reportedly met Vladimir Putin as a young gymnast. Reports say her association with Putin helped her and her family amass wealth.