Ksenia Sobchak, known as Vladimir Putin’s ‘goddaughter,’ is reportedly planning to relocate from Russia to Spain and has allegedly applied for residency there. The 43-year-old, who is a TV host, politician, and influencer, is seeking digital nomad status, necessitating her to reside in Spain for more than half of each year and fulfill tax obligations in the country. Although Sobchak, who previously ran against Putin for the Russian presidency and manages her own media platform, has not made any statements regarding this matter.
Recent reports from Spain suggest that Sobchak has submitted an application for residency for herself and her eight-year-old son, Platon, with rumors circulating that she has already purchased a luxurious property. This move comes amidst economic instability in Russia due to Putin’s military actions and Western sanctions, as well as escalating crackdowns on dissent against the ruler.
Sobchak currently holds a five-year EU Schengen visa from France and possesses both Israeli and Russian passports, allowing her to travel freely within Europe for up to 90 days every six months. It is noted that Putin was present at her Orthodox christening during childhood, sparking speculation that he is her godfather.
Her late father, Anatoly, who was close to Putin, served as a mentor to the ex-KGB agent and provided him with his initial political role when he was the mayor of St. Petersburg. While Sobchak is viewed as being against Putin’s regime, some of his opponents are skeptical of her position, suspecting that she maintains a close personal relationship with the leader.
During her 2018 presidential bid, she faced criticism for participating to create an illusion of a liberal candidate in what was deemed as a rigged election orchestrated by Putin. Her candidacy was labeled as a “farce.”
In 2023, Sobchak attended a controversial “naked party” alongside other celebrities, which provoked Putin’s outrage, leading her to issue a public apology. However, unlike the other attendees, she did not face any repercussions for her involvement.
Sobchak’s mother, Lyudmila Narusova, a 74-year-old Russian senator, frequently opposes Putin’s restrictive policies. In the past, she questioned Putin’s mental state regarding the war and cautioned that he would not relinquish power.
Narusova stated, “I’m the only one who votes [against him], but there are enough people who share my views. They are just afraid to voice them publicly.”