Is Putin's alleged love child living as a DJ in Paris? Here's all you need to know

Vladimir Putin’s alleged illegitimate daughter, a 21-year-old woman, is living in Paris under a pseudonym and working as a DJ, as per reports. According to Ukrainian media and The Telegraph, the young woman, identified as Luiza Rozova or Elizaveta Olegovna Rudnova, was tracked using leaked airline records.

Who is she?

Luiza is believed to be the result of a brief relationship between Putin and Svetlana Krivonogikh, a former cleaner who is now one of Russia’s richest women. Born on March 3, 2003, Luiza’s birth certificate reportedly does not name a father but uses the patronymic “Vladimirovna,” a naming convention in Russia that hints at Putin’s paternity.

Her pseudonyms are said to have links to Putin’s close circle. The surname “Rudnova,” for instance, is reportedly tied to Oleg Rudnov, a late friend of Putin, leading to speculation that her alias was carefully crafted to hide her identity.

A glimpse into her life

Before deactivating her social media accounts in 2022, Luiza shared snippets of her Parisian life, including photos of her dancing and enjoying the city. She later withdrew from public view after facing backlash online, with some commenters accusing her of hiding during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In a 2021 interview on Clubhouse, Luiza commented on her resemblance to Putin, saying, “Judging by his young photos, probably, yes, it looks similar.” She described her lifestyle as living in a bubble, focused on fashion shows, dining out, and chatting with friends while avoiding the news.

Her mother’s lavish wealth

Svetlana Krivonogikh, Luiza’s mother, has built significant wealth since her alleged connection to Putin. She is estimated to be worth £83 million and owns luxury properties in Monte Carlo and a Finnish ski resort. She also holds stakes in high-profile Russian businesses and serves on the board of the Kremlin-linked Bank Rossiya and National Media Group.

Krivonogikh’s ties to the Kremlin have placed her on Britain’s sanctions list for allegedly supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Putin’s rumored personal life

Putin has publicly acknowledged two daughters, Maria and Katerina, from his first marriage. However, rumours have long swirled about secret relationships and other children. He is also alleged to have two sons with Olympic gymnast Alina Kabaeva, though he has denied these claims.

Inputs from TOI