Explosive revelations from new book “The Tsar Himself” expose the secret life of Vladimir Putin
A bombshell book by Russian investigative journalists Roman Badanin and Mikhail Rubin reveals the secret world of Vladimir Putin — a web of affairs, luxury, and ruthless control.
The authors, now living in exile in the United States, describe a man who rules not only Russia, but also the private lives of everyone around him.
The cleaner who became a millionaire
Svetlana Krivonogikh’s story reads like a dark fairy tale. Once a cleaner in St Petersburg, she rose to own luxury apartments and a yacht worth £78 million. Her alleged affair with Putin began in 1999, and by 2003 she had given birth to their daughter Luiza Rozova.
When the young woman gave an interview in 2020, Kremlin agents raided journalists’ homes — a stark reminder that Putin’s private life remains untouchable.
The Olympic champion and “secret first lady”
Alina Kabaeva, the rhythmic gymnastics gold medallist, is widely seen as Putin’s long-time partner.
Since 2014 she has led Russia’s National Media Group, earning over £7.7 million annually. Rumours suggest she has two sons with the Russian president, though Putin furiously denies any relationship.
During the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, however, the pair were seen wearing matching wedding ring.
Power, loyalty, and silence
From the teenage calendar model Alisa Kharchyeva to his ex-wife Lyudmila, women in Putin’s orbit live under one rule — devotion or disappearance. As the book notes, in Putin’s Russia, “marriage is optional, but loyalty is law.”
The price of truth
After publishing an interview with Putin’s alleged daughter, journalist Roman Badanin faced raids, interrogation, and eventual exile.
His book exposes a chilling truth: behind the iron control of the Kremlin lies a man obsessed with dominance — over his nation, his image, and every woman in his shadow.
