Vladimir Putin’s supposed mistress has reappeared with a “new look” following rumours she was hiding away from the Kremlin leader.
Olympic gold-medal winning Alina Kabaeva, 38, was spotted at a junior rhythmic gymnastics rehearsal in Moscow.
Pictures appeared to show her at the city’s VTB Arena this week ahead of the annual Alina Festival charitable event tomorrow.
The photos sparked speculation that she had used the same cosmetic surgeon as Putin amid claims of botox and fillers, as the Mirror UK reports.
Russian Cosmopolitan said “something has really changed in Kabaeva’s face”.
Avoiding linking her to Putin, it said of a woman widely believed to be Russia ’s unofficial first lady: “Alina Kabaeva is one of the most mysterious and secretive women in our country.
“The gymnast almost never appears in public, does not [appear in] social networks and it is not possible to accidentally see her on the street or in shopping centres.”
Telegram channel Tol’ko Nikomu - also choosing its words carefully to avoid the Russian censor - hinted that she and Putin share the same plastic surgeon.
“A new rare appearance of Alina Kabaeva. This time she is dressed casually - and is again seen with a wedding ring.
“And yes, the handwriting of the family beautician is quite notable.”
A TV version of Kabaeva’s festival will be broadcast on the eve of Russia’s 9 May Victory Day commemoration marking the end of the Second World War.
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