Putin’s Alleged ‘Mistress’ Alina Kabaeva Reappears In Moscow With New ‘Puffy’ Look

Russian President Vladimir Putin's alleged "mistress" was spotted with a "new look" quite similar to the puffy-looking president, reports claimed.

The 38-year-old Olympic gold-medal gymnast, Alina Kabaeva, was rumored to be hiding out in a Swiss chalet or a Siberian nuclear bunker as the Russian-Ukraine war began. However, she was seen in her rare public appearance at a junior rhythmic gymnastics rehearsal in Moscow.

Pictures featured her at the city's VTB Arena ahead of the annual Alina Festival charitable event Saturday. Kabaeva was seen in casual clothes. There have also been reports that the gymnast was wearing a wedding ring, but no marriage records.

The photos sparked speculation that she used the same cosmetic surgeon as puffy-looking president Putin amid reports of botox and fillers. Putin was rumored to be on steroids as it was claimed he is showing symptoms of debilitating illness.

The women's magazine Russian Cosmopolitan said, "something has really changed in Kabaeva's face." They added that "the legendary athlete was noticeably prettier."

"The gymnast almost never appears in public, does not [appear in] social networks, and it is not possible to accidentally see her on the street or in shopping centres." Meanwhile, Telegram channel Tol'ko Nikomu noted that she and Putin share the same plastic surgeon. "The handwriting of the family beautician is quite notable."

Putin has allegedly been dating the gymnast for over a decade, which started during her time as a Member of Parliament (MP) between 2007 and 2014 for Putin's United Russia party. She is also rumored to have four young children with Putin, 69. "Alina has two young boys and twin girls with Putin who were born in Switzerland," the source added.

Meanwhile, Alexei Navalny has demanded sanctions against Kabaeva saying she should be treated as a "war criminal" as he argued that Putin likely owns Kabaeva's firm. However, Kabaeva, who is also in control of National Media Group, one of the largest pro-Kremlin Moscow media organizations, has avoided Western sanctions. Earlier this April, Kabaeva's picture was removed from the firm's website.

Putin officially announced his divorce from his wife Lyudmila Aleksandrovna Ocheretnaya, a former Aeroflot stewardess in 2013. He has previously said, "I have a private life in which I do not permit interference. It must be respected."