Ksenia Sobchak, known as Vladimir Putin’s ‘goddaughter,’ is reportedly planning to depart from Russia’s oppressive regime by applying for residency in Spain. The 43-year-old, who is a TV host, politician, and influencer, is seeking digital nomad status, which requires her to reside in Spain for over half of each year and fulfill tax obligations in the country. Sobchak, who previously ran for the Russian presidency against Putin and owns her media platform, has not publicly addressed these claims.
Recent reports suggest that Sobchak has submitted a residence permit application for herself and her eight-year-old son, Platon, in Spain, with rumors circulating that she has purchased a luxurious property. This move comes amidst economic turmoil in Russia due to Putin’s military actions and Western sanctions, along with increasing suppression of dissent against the authoritarian ruler.
Sobchak currently holds a five-year EU Schengen visa from France and possesses both Russian and Israeli passports, allowing her to travel freely within Europe for up to 90 days every six months. Notably, Putin was present at her Orthodox christening during her childhood, sparking speculations that he may be her godfather.
Her late father, Anatoly, was a close associate of Putin and played a pivotal role in mentoring the former KGB officer, providing him with his initial political opportunity during his tenure as mayor of St. Petersburg. Despite Sobchak’s perceived opposition stance, some critics suspect that she maintains a personal relationship with Putin.
During the 2018 presidential election, her candidacy was criticized for allegedly serving as a facade to create an illusion of a liberal alternative within Putin’s controlled electoral process, dismissing her participation as a “farce.” In 2023, Sobchak’s attendance at a controversial event known as a “naked party” alongside other celebrities led to public outrage and a subsequent apology, although she avoided any repercussions unlike her counterparts.
Sobchak’s mother, Lyudmila Narusova, a 74-year-old Russian senator, frequently dissents against Putin’s authoritarian policies, often casting solitary votes against repressive measures. In a statement to Novaya Gazeta Europe, she expressed concerns about Putin’s mental state regarding the ongoing conflicts and power dynamics, emphasizing the prevalent fear among individuals who share her dissenting views.
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