The US, along with the EU and UK, has imposed sanctions on the chair of Russia’s National Media Group (NMG), Alina Kabaeva.
Kabaeva, a former Olympic gymnast, is widely believed to be in a long-term relationship with Russian president Vladimir Putin, although the latter has denied they are romantically involved.
She was previously a member of the Russian State Duma, the country’s parliament, and had hosted TV shows on two of NMG’s channels, Ren TV and Channel Five.
She resigned from the Duma to take up the role at NMG, replacing the son of Rossiya Bank boss Yuri Kovalchuk, owner of the media outfit.
“Alina Maratovna Kabaeva (Kabaeva) is a former member of the State Duma. Kabaeva was designated today pursuant to E.O. 14024 for being or having been a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors of the Government of the Russian…
