Vladimir Putin's daughters make rare public appearance

Russian President Vladimir Putin is a private person who likes keeping his personal life a secret. 

However, in a rare appearance, his daughters Maria Vorontsova and Katerina Tikhonova were spotted as they participated in panel discussions at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, CNN reported.

Putin shares Maria and Katerina with ex-wife Lyudmila, whom he divorced after 30 years of togetherness.

In the past, the Russian president had shared that he had daughters and grandchildren who worked in science and education. But he never disclosed any names.

Previously, both Maria and Katerina attended the annual St Petersburg forum, but only Katerina is a vocal speaker.

At the conference, Katerina, via a video appearance, talked about “technological sovereignty” of the military-industrial complex. While the older daughter, Maria, spoke in person about innovations in biotechnology and bioproduction.

Both the sisters are sanctioned by the US for their affiliation with the Russian defence military.

Many theorists and Putin rival’s belief that some of his wealth may be hidden in the bank accounts of family members.

According to late Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny’s anti-corruption foundation, Maria made more than $10 million between 2019 and 2022 as an employee of a medical company.

Both the daughters are believed to live in Western countries.