Putin's girlfriend, the EU, doesn't save Alina Kabaeva.

According to the BBC, the Russian president has clearly denied a link to the former Olympic Egyptian.

The EU says Kabaeva is the head of a media group that “owns large shares” in organisations that “produce Russian government propaganda”.

“It is a former Russian cementist and a former State Dum specifications, it is closely linked to President Vladimir Putin”.

It is therefore responsible for supporting the actions and policies that undermine Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence, as well as stability and security in Ukraine”, the EU statement said.

Kabaeva has already been sanctioned by the UK and Canada.

The EU says this sixth package of measures is focused on the Russian Army and the defence ministry.

Colonel Mikhail Mizintsev, who sometimes referred to him as the Sasap of Marioupolis, has been listed, as has Colonel Azbek Ombekov, known as Kasapi Butka. Both men had already set themselves up for United Kingdom sanctions.

The sanctions also include business and media figures, as well as members of the Dmitry Peskov family, Putin's press secretary.

All of those listed will undergo travel bans and asset freezes, the EU says.