In a rare public outing, the daughters of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Maria Vorontsova and Katerina Tikhonova, participated in panels at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum this week. The president's daughters, believed to be in their mid to late 30s, are from his previous marriage to Lyudmila, whom he divorced in 2013 after nearly three decades together.

While Putin has never disclosed the names of his daughters, he has mentioned that they work in the fields of science and education and that he is a proud grandfather. Both Vorontsova and Tikhonova have attended the annual St. Petersburg forum in the past, but only Tikhonova has had speaking engagements, according to Russian independent outlet Novaya Gazeta Europe.

Tikhonova, a tech executive, made a virtual appearance at a forum discussing the "technological sovereignty" of the military-industrial complex. She was introduced as the general director of the National Intellectual Development Foundation (NIDF) and emphasized the importance of innovation and reducing reliance on imported technologies in both civil and military sectors. It's worth noting that Tikhonova was sanctioned by the US and UK in April 2022 for her involvement in supporting the Russian defense ministry.

Vorontsova, an endocrinologist, spoke in person at a panel discussing advancements in biotechnology and bioproduction. She was listed as a member of the Russian Association for the Promotion of Science. Her earnings have come under scrutiny, with the anti-corruption foundation of late opposition leader Alexey Navalny asserting that Vorontsova made over $10 million between 2019 and 2022 while working for a medical company. This claim, however, remains unverified by independent sources.

The secretive nature surrounding Putin's family has led to speculation about the extent of their wealth and involvement in politics. Analysts believe that some of Putin's wealth may be hidden in family members' bank accounts. However, Putin has repeatedly stated that his daughters are not involved in politics and lead ordinary lives.

Rumors have circulated regarding the possibility of Putin having additional children outside of his former marriage. Allegedly, these children reside in Western countries. The Kremlin has consistently refuted these claims.

The participation of Putin's daughters at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum sheds rare insight into their lives and interests. As they continue to maintain a low public profile, their appearances at such events continue to generate curiosity and speculation.