Moscow

The woman believed to be the mother of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's baby caused a scandal by appearing on the cover of Russian Vogue in a gold $35,000 Balmain dress.

27 year-old former Olympian gymnast star Alina Kabayeva's new public profile is considered to be an acknowledgement of the couple's relationship. Putin is still married to former flight attendant Lyudmila Shkrebneva and they have two daughters.

He has never admitted to a relationship with Kabayeva. In the past the Kremlin's most powerful politician closed down a newspaper that previously speculated on his affair.