Ksenia Sobchak, known as Vladimir Putin’s ‘goddaughter’, is reportedly making plans to depart from Russia and has allegedly submitted a residency application in Spain. Sobchak, a well-known TV host, politician, and influencer who previously appeared in Playboy, is pursuing a digital nomad status that requires her to reside in Spain for more than half of the year and fulfill tax obligations in the country. The 43-year-old, who previously challenged Putin for the Russian presidency and operates her own media platform, has refrained from making any public statements regarding the matter.
According to reports circulating in Spain, Sobchak has applied for residency permits for herself and her eight-year-old son, Platon, with rumors suggesting that she has already purchased a luxurious property. This development coincides with growing economic instability in Russia, stemming from Putin’s military actions and international sanctions, and an escalation in suppression of dissent against the regime.
Sobchak currently holds a five-year EU Schengen visa from France, in addition to Israeli and Russian passports, allowing her to travel freely within Europe for a maximum of 90 days every six months. Notably, Putin was present at her childhood Orthodox christening before assuming the presidency, leading to speculations that he is her godfather.
Her late father, Anatoly, who served as a mentor to Putin and provided him with his initial political role during his tenure as mayor of St. Petersburg, shared a close relationship with the Russian leader. Despite being perceived as critical of the government, Sobchak is viewed with suspicion by many of Putin’s adversaries, who believe she maintains a personal rapport with the autocrat.
During her 2018 presidential bid, Sobchak faced backlash, with critics arguing that her candidacy was orchestrated to create an illusion of a liberal opposition in Putin’s controlled election. Her participation was heavily criticized as a “charade.”
In a controversial incident in 2023, Sobchak attended a provocative event dubbed as a “naked party” alongside other celebrities, sparking outrage from Putin and prompting her to issue a public apology. However, unlike her fellow attendees, she did not face any repercussions.
Sobchak’s mother, Lyudmila Narusova, a 74-year-old Russian senator, often stands alone in opposition to Putin’s authoritarian policies. In recent years, she questioned Putin’s mental state regarding the ongoing conflict and cautioned against his reluctance to relinquish power.
“I am the solitary dissenting voice,” she remarked to Novaya Gazeta Europe, an independent newspaper. “Yet, there are many who share my sentiments. They simply fear expressing them openly.”
