Putin’s alleged mistress spared US sanctions

THE Biden administration has held off imposing sanctions on Vladimir Putin’s alleged mistress, it has been claimed.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the US was poised to add Alina Kabaeva to the list of Russians facing punitive action but held off at the last minute.

Ms Kabaeva, a 38-year-old medalwinning gymnast and former cover girl for Russian Vogue, is believed to be the mother of at least three of Mr Putin’s children, although the Kremlin has denied a relationship. Mr Putin divorced from his wife of 30 years in 2014.

US officials also suspect Ms Kabaeva may have played a key role in hiding Mr Putin’s wealth overseas.

The US Treasury has declined to comment on reports that it has already drawn up a package of sanctions against Ms Kabaeva.

It is understood the sanctions failed to receive approval from the National Security Council.it was reportedly felt that targeting Ms Kabaeva could prove too confrontational and would jeopardise peace talks, even though the US has imposed sanctions on Mr Putin’s two adult daughters.