putins-lovers-name-and-photo-have-been-removed-from-the-website-of-the-media-empire-she-controls

Reports say that the name and photo of Alina Kabaeva—long linked with Vladimir Putin in Russian media speculation—have been removed from the website of the prominent Russian media group she is tied to. According to the Latin Times, the board‑profile of Kabaeva on the website of National Media Group (NMG) quietly disappeared. (Latin Times) The The Sun similarly reported that her photo and details vanished from the site, sparking fresh questions about her role and visibility. (The Sun)

Alina Kabaeva, a former Olympic rhythmic gymnast turned politician, became a board member of NMG and is believed to exercise significant influence within the pro‑Kremlin media empire. (Проект.) Her removal from the website came amid heightened Western sanctions on Russian oligarchs and insiders amid the war in Ukraine. Analysts suggest the erasure may reflect a bid to distance individuals closely tied to the Kremlin from direct public‑visibility in order to avoid sanction exposure. (Latin Times)

The disappearance of Kabaeva’s profile raises broader questions about transparency, media ownership and power networks inside Russia. NMG is known to control multiple major outlets and is widely viewed as part of the Kremlin’s propaganda infrastructure. (Latin Times) In effect, the move may signal an attempt to tidy up public appearances rather than any formal departure from power or influence. While no official explanation was offered by NMG, the timing suggests a cautious calculation in an increasingly sanctions‑sensitive environment.

In sum, the removal of Alina Kabaeva’s name and photo from the NMG website is a small but telling gesture, pointing to shifting dynamics in how Russian power‑brokers manage visibility and risk amid international pressure.