According to two European diplomatic sources, Alina Kabaeva, a lady closely tied to Russian President Vladimir Putin, is included in the sixth planned package of European Union sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

At this point, names can be removed or added at the discretion of member states, and it is expected to be a matter of negotiation when a new sanctions package is offered, according to an EU Commission source.
The EU has not yet given its approval to the proposed proposal. One of the diplomatic sources told, “Discussions are going on. It’s not a piece of cake, but we have to wait and see.”

On February 16, 2014, Russian Olympic rhythmic gymnastics champion Alina Kabaeva watches a men’s ice hockey match between Russia and Slovakia at the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia.

Kabaeva, who was born in 1983, was initially linked to Putin when she was a medal-winning gymnast more than a decade ago. Putin, who is divorced, has denied ever dating her.
The Wall Street Journal reported in April that US authorities were contemplating whether or not to impose sanctions on Kabaeva, citing fears that such a move would exacerbate tensions by striking Putin personally.