Investigative journalists Roman Badanin and Mikhail Rubin have revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin's two youngest sons, Ivan and Vladimir Jr., reportedly use the surname Spiridonov.
This information comes from a new book that also suggests these children are the offspring of Putin and former Olympic gymnast Alina Kabaeva, a relationship the Kremlin has not officially confirmed. The surname Spiridonov is reportedly linked to Putin's paternal grandfather, Spiridon Putin, who served as a personal chef to Soviet leaders like Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin.
The book indicates that the children live with Kabaeva in highly secured environments, with reported locations near Moscow and St. Petersburg. Their upbringing is characterized by extreme privacy, with education provided by private tutors under strict conditions, including confinement and rigorous medical examinations. Reports suggest limited interaction with peers, with most engagement being with adults or their parents late at night.
The children's activities include specialized sports training, such as swimming and gymnastics. Ivan has reportedly participated in gymnastics competitions and hockey matches with his father. Their secluded lifestyle is further emphasized by the constant presence of nannies, governesses, and sports trainers, and their movements are facilitated by secure transport, including private jets and yachts. Alina Kabaeva, while maintaining a low profile, has been observed watching her children's activities from a secluded box.
Their routine includes spending significant time at Putin's Valdai residence and seasonal movements to Sochi for skiing. The children are reportedly accompanied by secure transport and utilize cover documents, a practice common for individuals under state protection. The disclosure of these personal details has sparked discussions about transparency for public figures and the extensive measures taken to protect their private lives.