The US initially held back on sanctioning Putin's rumored girlfriend as it would be seen as too personal an escalation, report says

The Wall Street Journal reported that US officials paused proposals to sanction the rumored girlfriend of Russian President Vladimir Putin over fears that it would be seen as too personal in US-Russia relations.

Upcoming sanctions could potentially target Kavbaeva. According to The Journal, her sanctions package was put on hold at the last minute.

Hundreds of Russian individuals have been hit with sanctions by the US. The administration of President Joe Biden announced sanctions on the family of Putin on April 6.

Like Kabaeva, Tikhonova and Vorontsova are suspected of having a role in helping Putin hide his wealth outside of Russia.

The Journal reported that the US stayed its hand because officials believed it would hit Putin too personally and cause an increase in the conflict.

She is said to have had at least two children with Putin. Both Putin and Kabaeva have denied having a relationship.

Reuters/Ray Stubblebine

According to Radio Free Europe, a Russian newspaper reported in 2008 that Putin was secretly engaged to a gymnast named Kabaeva. The New York Times reported that the paper shut down after the report.

She has won many medals, including two Olympic medals. She joined the Russian government as a deputy after retiring from sport.

A Russian activist who works with a jailed anti-corruption activist called on the government to sanction Kabaeva.

She is the chair of the board of the National Media Group, which is owned by Russia.

Kabaeva made her first public appearance since the invasion of Ukraine on Saturday. Newsweek reported that she was pictured at a festival in Moscow.

There is a rumor that Kabaeva is in Switzerland. A petition calling on the Swiss government to deport her was started after Switzerland abandoned its neutral status to impose sanctions on Russia.