OUSTER MOVE IN THE OFFING?
Russian President Vladimir Putin has obviously irked many in his inner circles that a possible coup is now reportedly brewing. (Photo: Aleksey Nikolskyi/Reuters)

Russian President Vladimir Putin, 71, is at the center of swirling rumors suggesting a romantic involvement with Ekaterina "Katya" Mizulina, 39, a figure described as a "Barbie type" and the head of Russia's pro-Kremlin Safe Internet League. This potential relationship comes as Mizulina plays a pivotal role in Russia's stringent online censorship efforts, particularly in silencing criticism related to the war in Ukraine.

Mizulina, a UK-educated art historian and the daughter of hardline anti-Ukraine lawmaker Elena Mizulina, 69, has been an outspoken advocate for internet regulation under the guise of child protection. Her organization is reportedly backed by Konstantin Malofeev, an ultranationalist known for his Christian billionaire status. Mizulina's work aligns closely with Putin's agenda, raising questions about the nature of their connection.

According to various Ukrainian media outlets and independent Russian Telegram channels, Putin and Mizulina have "grown close recently," with sources being "extremely careful" in discussing the matter due to the lack of definitive confirmation. Mizulina's role in the Safe Internet League has involved advocating for stringent web censorship, fines, and sanctions against media outlets and social networks critical of the Kremlin.

Human rights campaigner Olga Romanova commented on the rumors, stating, "Katya Mizulina is completely to Putin's taste. This Barbie [expletive] type has always suited him very well." She added, "[Putin is] 71 years old, let's not be ageist. In general, the man is in full bloom, why not?"

 

Putin's romantic life has long been the subject of speculation, with previous connections to Svetlana Krivonogikh, a strip-club owner alleged to be the mother of his daughter Luiza Rozova, and former Olympic gymnast Alina Kabaeva, with whom he is believed to share children.

Mizulina's academic background includes degrees in art history and the Indonesian language from the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. Before joining the Safe Internet League in 2017, she served as a translator for Russian delegations in China. Under her leadership, the Safe Internet League has led the charge in Russia's censorship campaign, targeting major online platforms and advocating for the eradication of what she terms "Nazi" influences in Ukraine.

In a notable incident, Mizulina demanded an apology from a Russian student who had questioned the necessity of compulsory military service, threatening him with Putin's stringent laws against discrediting the Russian army. This episode underscores her commitment to enforcing the Kremlin's narrative and policies.

As these rumors of a romantic link between Putin and Mizulina circulate, the global community watches closely, considering the implications for Russia's political landscape and the ongoing war in Ukraine. The relationship, if confirmed, would highlight the personal dynamics at play within the Kremlin's upper echelons and their impact on Russia's domestic and foreign policy strategies.