Putin's foreign nannies bound by LGBT gag clauses while tutoring his sons

An investigation by Systema, the investigative unit of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, has revealed that Vladimir Putin's foreign governesses are subject to LGBT gag clauses in their contracts. At least 3.5 million rubles were spent on salaries for three governesses in January 2026 alone. The nannies tutor Putin's sons with Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva.

An investigative report by Systema, the journalism unit of U.S.-funded broadcaster Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, has uncovered that the foreign governesses employed to care for Vladimir Putin's youngest children are contractually prohibited from discussing LGBT topics with the boys. The investigation found that at least 3.5 million rubles were paid in salaries to three governesses in January 2026.

The children in question are the sons of Putin and Olympic gymnastics champion Alina Kabaeva, whose relationship with the Russian president has long been a subject of public speculation despite Kremlin silence on the matter. Systema journalists obtained and reviewed internal documents and correspondence relating to the household staff employed to raise and educate the children.

Educated 'Like Europeans'

According to the documents reviewed by Systema, the boys are reportedly being raised and educated in a manner described as resembling that of "educated Europeans" — a striking contrast to the socially conservative and anti-Western policies championed by Putin's government domestically. The foreign nannies bring international educational approaches to the children's upbringing.

Gag Clauses in Contracts

Despite this European-style education, the governesses are reportedly bound by contractual clauses that forbid any mention or discussion of LGBT-related subjects — reflecting Russia's increasingly restrictive legal environment around such topics. Russia has in recent years expanded its so-called "gay propaganda" laws to cover all age groups, making such contractual restrictions legally consistent with the broader political climate.

The revelation highlights a notable contradiction at the heart of Putin's personal life: while his government promotes traditional values and restricts LGBTQ expression across Russian society, his own children are educated by foreign staff in a globally minded manner. Systema's investigation adds to a growing body of reporting that scrutinizes the private lives of Russia's political elite.