Vladimir Putin's secret lover shows off at international gymnastics event as world on brink of WW3

Alina Kabaeva, 41, sensationally called for unity while attending the Sky Grace Cup 2024 in Doha, Qatar, saying that gymnastics should "unite people and remain outside politics"

Vladimir Putin's secret lover has been seen strutting her stuff at an international rhythmic gymnastics tournament, as her despot partner brings the world to the brink of World War 3.

Alina Kabaeva, 41, a former Olympic gymnast who is widely reported to be in a relationship with Putin, 72, was spotted dancing at the climax of the international Sky Grace Cup 2024 in Doha, the capital of Qatar, this week. Kabaeva called for unity as Putin peppered Ukraine with missiles and stoked the flames of Russian aggression.

Speaking at the competition, she said sport and art "should unite people and remain outside politics", while thanking Doha organisers. She said: "Sport and art should unite people and remain outside politics. The sole aim of the international tournament 'Heavenly Grace' is to promote rhythmic gymnastics as an Olympic sport. It is amazing that we are in Doha today. Thank you Doha for your hospitality."

She danced at the end of a tense week for the world, which has seen leaders sitting at the edge of their seats as Putin unveiled his latest hypersonic weapon - the Oreshnik - which has fired at Ukraine but which he threatened to aim at targets in Europe. Kabaeva and Putin are known to have two sons together - Ivan, nine, and Vladimir Junior, five.

But the dictator’s relationship with the sportswoman has not been officially disclosed, and the children have never been seen in public. Kabaeva - a highly decorated rhythmic gymnast who holds two Olympic medals, 14 World Championship medals and 21 medals from the European Championships - is known to share Putin's numerous palaces, including those in Moscow and in Valdai.

Putin, who is officially divorced from his first wife, Lyudmila Aleksandrovna Ocheretnaya, has severely put down attempts to invade his private life. He once said: "I have a private life in which I do not permit interference. It must be respected." Putin also condemned "those who with their snotty noses and erotic fantasies prowl into others' lives".

Kabaeva has been slightly more open about her personal life, and publicly answered questions about her "ideal man" on a children's television show. In one clip showing her appearance on One Hundred Questions for Adults, a question and answer show recorded to an audience of children, she was asked by a young boy if she had met her "ideal man" to which she replied giggling: “I have.”

She was then asked who the mystery man in her life was but would only reveal "he’s a very good man, a great man" though she added: "I love him very much." Kabaeva said: "Sometimes you feel so happy that you even feel scared." In Doha she boasted: “I am very happy that we have been able to hold our competition for the fourth time, and this year it brought together more than 100 gymnasts from 25 countries."