In a surprising turn of events, Russian President Vladimir Putins daughters, Katerina Tikhonova and Maria Vorontsova, have emerged from years of secrecy and made public appearances, reportedly due to their fathers contemplation of his mortality. The former CIA agent Ronald Marks, with almost three decades of experience in the US intelligence agency, indicated that their public visibility was strategic, aimed at enhancing Putins image.Marks highlighted their recent appearance at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, where both daughters delivered speeches, as a significant departure from their usual low-profile existence. Remember its Putins world and we just live in it. Thats an extension of him… his desire to recreate the Russian empire, his desire to show himself as the most powerful guy in Russia. Young daughters represent vitality for him, remarked Marks, providing insight into Putins motivations.Putin, who has long kept his family life private, has rarely acknowledged or discussed his daughters activities in public. However, as rumors about his health circulated in recent years, his daughters public roles have become more pronounced, signaling a potential shift in Putins strategic narrative.Vorontsova, aged 39 and a genetics researcher, along with Tikhonova, 37 and a tech executive and former acrobatic dancer, accepted invitations to speak at the summit about their professional endeavors. This calculated move suggests that Putin, recognizing the influence of family connections, is leveraging their visibility to solidify his legacy.Hes considering his mortality. Hes getting to be at that age right now where hes now looking for his legacy. And both of those kids to my understanding are pretty sharp, Marks remarked, hinting at Putins strategic considerations regarding succession and legacy-building.Furthermore, Marks noted that the St. Petersburg forum, being hosted in Putins hometown, provided an ideal platform to gauge the public relations capabilities of his daughters, hinting at a broader strategy to enhance their public presence.Despite their recent visibility, both daughters remain sanctioned by the US government, which has accused them of enriching themselves at the expense of the Russian people. Their limited public appearances in recent years have added an air of mystery to their personas.Tikhonova, previously a competitive dancer, now spearheads an artificial intelligence initiative at Moscow State University. Meanwhile, Vorontsova, a medical researcher and co-owner of a healthcare investment firm, Nomenko, represents another facet of the familys diverse interests.
