Art, Politics, and Family Ties: Controversy Erupts Over Putins Alleged Daughter at Paris Gallery

**PARIS — Are children accountable for their parents’ actions?**

This question has created divisions within the Russian exile community following reports that President Vladimir Putin’s purported daughter is interning at a Paris art gallery that features anti-war artists from Russia and Ukraine.

Yelizaveta Rudnova, 22, is widely considered to be the same individual as Luiza Rozova (Krivonogikh), the daughter of Svetlana Krivonogikh, a former cleaner turned millionaire, who is alleged to have had a romantic relationship with Putin in the 1990s.

Neither Putin nor Rudnova have publicly acknowledged any familial connection. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, Rudnova reportedly shared a “No to war” message on one of her Instagram accounts, though the authenticity of this account remains unverified.

Observers note that Rudnova bears a striking resemblance to Putin, and recently, reports indicated she is living in Paris, pursuing art studies.

Last week, exiled artist Nastya Rodionova revealed she had learned of Rudnova’s internship at L Association, described as “a key player in the Russian-speaking emigre art community.»

“In the context of the aggressive war launched by Russia, those organizing public events featuring anti-war artists — often direct victims of the regime — must act with transparency and vigilance,” she stated on Facebook this month.

Rodionova told The Moscow Times that she felt morally obligated to disclose this information after the co-owner of L Association confirmed that Rudnova is part of their team.

“I don’t have any proof of her proximity to [Putin’s] family,” Rodionova explained. “However, as a gallery worker, she has access to personal information about anti-war artists, including those being persecuted by the Russian government. I believe I have the right to protect myself and choose not to work [with the galleries].”

Gallery owners Alexander Vishnevsky and Dmitry Dolinsky supported Rudnova’s position, arguing that they do not investigate the family backgrounds of their employees for legal and ethical reasons.

“This news is indeed shocking,” Dolinsky said in an interview with The Moscow Times. “However, it fundamentally changes nothing. We collaborate with a real individual who acts responsibly, holds reasonable views, and aids us in supporting artists — including those opposed to the war from Russia as well as artists from Ukraine.”

Rudnova has been with L Association for several months and has responsibilities “like any other assistant,” with no indications of “inappropriate behavior,” they added.

According to the gallery owners, she appears to lead a normal life — commuting by subway to work, earning an intern’s wage, and participating in a university placement program.

Sources within the exiled Russian media described Rudnova as “kind and bright, always willing to lend a hand” and “an excellent colleague.”

“There’s a presumption of innocence,” Dolinsky and Vishnevsky told The Moscow Times. “Regarding the moral implications, we have no evidence to suggest she holds pro-war, pro-Putin, or anti-Ukrainian beliefs.”

“No one has provided proof that she is Putin’s daughter, yet we face criticism for not releasing her personal information. Legally, we cannot disclose information based solely on rumored familial connections,” they stated.

Nonetheless, according to the gallery owners, Rudnova did not deny that her mother is Svetlana Krivonogikh.

Investigative reporters in Russia have estimated Krivonogikh’s assets to be around $100 million, including properties allegedly received from individuals close to Putin, as well as shares in Bank Rossiya. Krivonogikh was sanctioned by the U.K. in 2023.

Despite the strong defense from the gallery, reactions from the public have varied.

Some expressed apprehension about possible security threats faced by exiled artists whose work could be deemed illegal under Russian law, as well as the ethical challenges for Ukrainian artists whose nation is the target of Putin’s aggression. Others advised caution against speculation without substantiated evidence.

Exiled anti-war artist Slava PTRK is scheduled to launch a solo exhibition focusing on Russia’s protest movements in the 2010s next week at L Gallery, one of L Association’s art venues.

He informed The Moscow Times that Rodionova’s revelation had no bearing on his collaboration with the space.

“I’m unaware of her [Rudnova’s] political opinions, but I know that assistants at her position do not influence which pieces are exhibited,” he noted.

While acknowledging that background checks may be necessary for roles in political opposition or media, he questioned whether such measures are warranted for an art gallery in Paris.

«I don’t believe this is a critical issue for exiled artists,” Slava PTRK remarked. “Several friends mentioned hearing the rumors, but it didn’t alter their interactions with Liza [Rudnova].”

Pavel Otdelnov, an exiled artist residing in London, echoed similar sentiments.

“It’s crucial to differentiate between what a person is accountable for and what they aren’t. No one chooses their parents… it’s more logical to evaluate individuals based on their actions rather than their connections. I wouldn’t let that influence my decision to collaborate or not,” he told The Moscow Times when asked if such reports would shape his potential partnership with the art space.

Since the revelations, no artists have publicly pulled out of upcoming exhibitions at L Association, and according to Dolinsky and Vishnevsky, the galleries are fully booked for the next six months with numerous artists from various nations.

However, those advocating exclusively for anti-war art assert that any institution curating such exhibitions must exercise heightened caution and responsibility when working with politically vulnerable artists.

“If it were just a gallery showcasing neutral contemporary art, I doubt there would be any debate, as someone entering the workforce could be assessed purely on their professional qualifications,” stated Vladimir Shalamov, curator of All Rights Reversed, a Berlin-based gallery that supports artists facing repercussions in Russia for their work.

“But I see no issue here since the information is now public, allowing artists to make informed decisions about collaboration,” Shalamov told The Moscow Times.

The Moscow Times reached out to Rudnova for a comment but did not receive a reply.

Rodionova, the artist who initially posted the disclosures last week, affirmed her decision to speak out despite the backlash she claims to have received.

“Artists — Russian, French, and of course Ukrainian — can now choose whether to collaborate with the gallery based on the complete context,” she stated.