Who is Alina Kabaeva, Putin’s alleged girlfriend?

Russia is already under unprecedented sanctions and now the EU could target Alina Kabaeva, a politician, media boss, former Olympic gymnast, and - if the rumours are true - Vladimir Putin's girlfriend and mother to some of his children.

The sanctions imposed by the EU and others are designed to punish those closest to Mr Putin - the oligarchs, politicians and other officials said to have benefited from their proximity to the president.

Sources have confirmed to the BBC that she is on the latest list of individuals to be sanctioned by the EU.

Russia's leader has always been intensely private. When asked about his private life, he has tended to brush off the question.

Ms Kabaeva, at her peak, has claims to have been the best in the world. She had a move named after her and was a leading performer in the team that dominated the sport.

Born in 1983, she started rhythmic gymnastics as a four- year- old. Ms Kabaeva would become known as "Russia's most flexible woman".