Russian Olympic gymnast, Alina Kabaeva widely believed to be the mistress of Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine comparing it to Russia’s victory over Nazis in World War II.
Alina Kabaeva, 38, who was believed to be hiding in Switzerland, stepped out to lead her annual ‘Alina Festival’ at the Russian capital’s VTB Arena on Saturday, April 23, a rare public appearance for the former gymnast.
Western intelligence agencies believes she is the mother of four of his children who he has never officially recognized.
She appeared onstage alongside hundreds of young children at the event which featured a military choir and the infamous Russian ‘Z’ symbol which has become known for the war in Ukraine.
During the festival, the Soviet Union’s most patriotic songs were played in support of Putin’s ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine.
The full event will be broadcast on May 8, the eve of a Red Square military parade commemorating ‘Victory Day’, the end of the Second World War, according to reports .
Wearing a patriotic St George’s ribbon on her chest, Kabaeva delivered a rousing speech linking victory over Nazism in the Second World War to the war in Ukraine.
‘This theme, you see, this story, doesn’t only go into the past. It stays with us,’ she said.
This celebration is not just for the whole country, this is a holiday for every family.
‘Every family has a war story, and we mustn’t ever forget it, but pass it on from generation to generation.’
Kabaeva was supposed to be sanctioned by the US Treasury Department in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, but officials in Washington believed placing sanctions on her could escalate tensions between Russia and the West as Putin could feel he is being targeted personally.
