Ksenia Sobchak, known as Vladimir Putin’s ‘goddaughter,’ is reportedly looking to depart from restrictive Russia and has allegedly applied for residency in Spain. The 43-year-old media personality, who has a background in television presenting, politics, and influencing, is aiming for digital nomad status in Spain, requiring her to spend more than half of each year in the country and fulfill tax obligations there. Sobchak, who previously challenged Putin in the Russian presidential race and operates her own media platform, has refrained from making any public statements regarding this matter.
Recent reports in Spain suggest that Sobchak has submitted a residency application for herself and her eight-year-old son, Platon, amid rumors that she has already purchased a luxurious property in the country. This development comes at a time of economic turmoil in Russia due to Putin’s military actions and Western sanctions, coupled with increased suppression of dissent against the authoritarian regime.
Sobchak currently holds a five-year EU Schengen visa from France, as well as passports from Israel and Russia, enabling her to travel freely within Europe for up to 90 days within a six-month period. Speculation arose about Putin’s potential role as her godfather after he attended her childhood Orthodox christening before assuming the presidency.
Her late father, Anatoly, served as a mentor to Putin and played a key role in kickstarting the former KGB agent’s political career during his tenure as mayor of St. Petersburg. Despite being viewed as aligned with the opposition, doubts linger among Putin’s adversaries regarding Sobchak’s true allegiance, suspecting that she maintains a personal relationship with the autocrat.
During her 2018 presidential candidacy, Sobchak faced criticism for allegedly providing a facade of liberal opposition to Putin in what was deemed a heavily manipulated election. Her involvement was labeled a “charade.”
In 2023, Sobchak made headlines for attending a controversial “naked party” alongside other public figures, which drew ire from Putin and led her to issue a public apology. However, she escaped repercussions unlike her fellow attendees.
Sobchak’s mother, Lyudmila Narusova, a 74-year-old Russian senator, frequently opposes Putin’s repressive policies, often casting solitary votes against his initiatives. In a candid interview with Novaya Gazeta Europe, she voiced concerns about Putin’s mental state amidst ongoing conflicts and warned against his reluctance to relinquish control.
“I’m the only one who votes [against him],” she disclosed. “But there are enough people who think the same as me. It’s just that they are afraid to speak it out loud.”