Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly has two sons with former rhythmic gymnast Alina Kabaeva. According to the exiled Russian investigative platform “Dossier”, these children lead a luxurious but isolated life.
The secret family of Vladimir Putin
For years, Putin’s relationship with Alina Kabaeva, an Olympic gold medalist in rhythmic gymnastics, has been an open secret. However, details about their family life have remained largely speculative. The “Dossier” report, based on social media, public tenders, and normally inaccessible datasets, provides new insights into this hidden world.
According to the investigation, Putin’s older son, Ivan, was born in Lugano, Switzerland, in spring 2015, making him nine years old now. The younger son, named Vladimir after his father, was reportedly born in Moscow in spring 2019. These findings align with earlier revelations by the Swiss publication “Sonntagszeitung” about Kabaeva’s secret births.
A life of luxury and isolation
The report paints a picture of a highly privileged but secluded lifestyle for Putin’s sons. They have never attended school or kindergarten, receiving education exclusively from private tutors. Their regular interactions are limited to drivers, bodyguards, chefs, pilots, sports trainers, and assistants.
The family’s staff requirements are sometimes publicly advertised. A recent job posting from spring 2024 sought an English teacher for two boys, with ages matching those of Putin’s reported sons. The position offers an extraordinary monthly salary of about 7,700 euros, but requires working in a closed area that cannot be left. Applicants, preferably South African citizens, must undergo multiple medical tests within two weeks.
Growing up in a golden cage
Despite Putin’s public aversion to Western influences, his older son reportedly favors Disney cartoons. The children have a private petting zoo with ponies, rabbits, and a St. Bernard dog. They split their time between residences in Valdai (between Moscow and St. Petersburg) and Sochi on the Black Sea.
The boys have personal chefs and limited interaction with other children, except for occasional playdates during holidays. They are under constant surveillance by FSO security agents and mainly interact with teachers, servants, their mother’s relatives, and the president’s friends.
According to the “Dossier” source, fear of Putin prevents anyone from risking conflict with the minors, reinforcing their sense of being special. Every wish is granted, and they view the houses as personal property. Their transportation includes planes, helicopters, and an armored train. The family also enjoys regular ski trips and yacht excursions.
In 2023, the family reportedly took a yacht trip to Lake Ladoga to visit the Valaam and Konevets monasteries. The Valaam archipelago has become a refuge for Putin’s elite over the past decade, with his associate Yuri Kovalchuk reportedly covering expenses for planes and ships.
The Kremlin has not responded to this report, which sheds light on the hidden life of one of the world’s most powerful and secretive leaders.
