Vladimir Putin’s rumoured partner has teased Russians yet again by showing off wedding ring on an outing in Italy.
Glamorous Alina Kabaeva, 34, seemed keen to let the cameras linger on her finger almost a decade since rumours first surfaced that she was his lover.
The Kremlin has constantly denied the Olympic gold medal winner is his secret first lady, but speculation about the former loyalist MP has persisted, including claims they have children together.
Kabaeva – not linked to any other suitors since 2008 despite being one of Russia’s most eligible women – wore a revealing top and a white metal ring, possibly the same one she has been seen with on outings in the past year or so.
Glamorous Alina Kabaeva, 34, an Olympic gold medal winner in the Russian gymnastics team, wore the white gold band on her ring finger at an appearance in the Adriatic resort of Pesaro
Alina Kabaeva and Vladimir Putin at a previous event at the Kremlin headquarters in Moscow
Kabaeva – not linked to any other suitors since 2008 despite being one of Russia’s most eligible women – wore a revealing top and a white metal ring, possibly the same one she has been seen with on outings in the past year or so
The wedding ring was on the fourth finger of her right hand, traditionally denoting marriage for Russian women.
It was overshadowed by a giant pearl-encrusted ring on her third finger.
Her appearance provoked readers of popular pro-Kremlin newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda to urge divorced Putin to clarify Kabaeva’s status.
This is despite unconfirmed claims in Moscow that Putin’s relationship with the rhythmic gymnast has waned and that he is with another secret partner.
‘Such a pity that her status is not determined yet,’ said one of Kabaeva’s new pictures.
‘Every woman wants to be an official wife. I think our people would understand it.’
Kabaeva was in the Adriatic resort Pesaro in a rare public appearance after being announced as ambassador for the World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships.
Her role is seen as a step back for Russian sport which has been hit by a succession of doping allegations leading to major competitors being banned from international events including the Olympics.
‘I am confident that sports should be outside politics,’ said Kabaeva who herself was once banned for a doping offence.
‘It was a great honour for me that I, a representative of Russia, was offered to take up this post – to become the ambassador for the World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships.
‘It does not matter who takes it. However, the fact that Russia’s representative was entrusted to take up this post means our country’s recognition.’
Kabaeva was in the Adriatic resort Pesaro in a rare public appearance after being announced as ambassador for the World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships
Kabaeva signing autographs for fans. Her role is seen as a step back for Russian sport which has been hit by a succession of doping allegations leading to major competitors being banned from international events including the Olympics.
Russian state run TV highlighted her ‘triumph’ over all ‘attempts to disgrace’ Russian sport with her appearance in Italy.
Kabaeva is a former MP in Putin’s United Russia party, and now heads a large staunchly pro-Kremlin media company.
Putin divorced wife Lyudmila in 2014 after a joint appearance to announce their split.
Since then Kabaeva has appeared several times with ‘wedding rings’.
Her former coach Irina Viner – wife of billionaire Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov – has said of Kabaeva’s love life: ‘When Alina finds the right time, she will say it herself. I’m just happy for her.’
Russia currently has no official first lady.
Kabaeva’s latest appearance comes as Putin gears up for an expected announcement that he will stand for re-election for a six year term in March.
Putin once said: ‘I have a private life in which I do not permit interference. It must be respected.’
Yet her public appearances and utterances often fuel speculation about a romantic relationship, and some say she even teases Russians about a possible match.
She once confessed she had met a man who ‘I love very much’, declining to name him.
She gushed: ‘Sometimes you feel so happy that you even feel scared.’
With no announcement over the president’s private life, Russians watch Kabaeva for clues.
‘Her wedding ring is charming… eye catching,’ said one.
‘She does look like president’s wife,’ wrote another.
The glamorous former gymnast has been wearing a ring for years, prompting speculation she is with the Russian leader. She is pictured here back in September 2016 at Megasport show in Moscow with a ring (circled)
A woman write on Spletnik website: ‘She looks good for her age, and if it is true that she gave birth to two kids, as rumoured, then even her body shape is fine.’
But there was criticism too amid speculation she – and Putin – have had plastic surgery.
‘She’s rather swollen from injections….she’s too young for it…but she must be sharing the same cosmetologist as Putin.’
Another critic said: ‘Black colours, long dresses, heavy make up with drawn eyebrows. She stylist should be fired.’
Several asked what was ‘stopping’ Putin from unveiling her as his wife.