‘Alina Festival’:Putin criticised for honouring girlfriend amid Ukraine invasion

• Amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Valdimir Putin is now being criticised for honouring his alleged girlfriend Alina Kabaeva. As per reports, Russia honoured her with 'Alina Festival'. It was reportedly held last month but was aired on June 1 by Russia state TV channel to mark the International Day for the Protection of Children. Videos posted on social media showed gymnasts performing stunts in athletic gear harking back to Soviet times. Alina Kabaeva and Russian President Putin reportedly met when she was a young gymnast who won multiple medals domestically at European competitions and at the Olympic Games. Alina Kabaeva was awarded the gold medal for rhythmic gymnastics at the Athens Games in 2004. Alina Kabaeva later became popular as the ‘Russia’s most flexible woman’. Watch this video for more details.