Who is Alina Maratovna Kabaeva ??? Why US sanctions Putin's reputed girlfriend Alina Maratovna Kabaeva

A talented gymnast who won several medals in Russia, in Europe, and in the Olympics, Alina Maratovna Kabaeva reportedly met Putin at that time. At the 2004 Athens Games, she won the gold medal in rhythmic gymnastics.

She was selected as one of the torch carriers for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, which took place just before Russia illegitimately seized Ukraine's the Crimean Peninsula. She is well-known in her native country.

Since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, Kabaeva has made public remarks in support of the Russian military, most notably urging Russian civilians to support the war effort.

She said: "At a recent gymnastics competition, "War has a history in every family, and we must never forget that. It should be passed on from one generation to the next."

Despite the Kremlin's continued denials, US authorities claim she and her family have amassed riches as a result of their proximity to Putin, according to the Wall Street Journal. US Treasury officials have declined to comment on the matter.

Whatever her real relationship with the Russian President may be, Kabaeva — who is still not well-known outside of Russia — and her funds will be subject to intense international scrutiny if her name does appear on the final list of EU sanctions.

As part of the most recent round of sanctions against individuals and organizations with ties to the Kremlin in response to Russia's war in Ukraine, the United States placed sanctions on the rumored love partner of Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday. For detail click here.