UK Draws Sword, Sanctions Putin's '31 Years Younger' Partner and Friend... Including Grandmother

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Alina Kabaeva
[Photo by AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] The UK has imposed sanctions on close associates of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

On the 13th (local time), according to CNN, the UK government announced in a statement that it would sanction 12 individuals, including Alina Kabaeva, known as Putin's partner, as well as family and friends.

UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said in the statement, "We are exposing and targeting the shadowy relationships that support Putin's lavish lifestyle." She also warned that sanctions would continue to be imposed on anyone who helps or incites Putin's aggression.

Among those sanctioned is Kabaeva, a 2004 Olympic gymnastics gold medalist. Shortly after retiring, she was nominated by Russia's ruling party, United Russia, and served as a member of parliament for about eight years. In 2014, she was appointed chairperson of Russia's largest media company, National Media Group. Rumors of her relationship with President Putin first surfaced in 2008, but neither side has officially acknowledged them.

Kabaeva's grandmother, Anna Zatsepina, was also sanctioned by the UK government. She is a colleague of Russian oligarch Gennady Timchenko and received a luxury apartment in Moscow from him.

Additionally, Putin's ex-wife Lyudmila Putina, along with his relatives and friends, were included in the sanctions list. According to the statement, they have gained high-ranking government and corporate positions and wealth as a reward for their loyalty to President Putin.

Meanwhile, the US government had been considering sanctions against Kabaeva last month but ultimately held off. Concerns were raised that such sanctions might be perceived as a personal attack on President Putin, potentially worsening tensions between the two countries.