New York, Feb 8 : The woman who gave birth to Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's love child is said to have vanished.

Alina Kabaeva, 26, a rhythmic gymnastics champion, who named the boy Dimitry, has been identified as Putin's girlfriend since she retired from competition in 2006 as the most decorated gymnast in history.

"Her numbers have all been disconnected, and only five people are in touch with her-her ex-coach, her parents and two other gymnasts who serve in the Duma [the Russian parliament]," the New York Post quoted a friend of hers as saying.

"This is modus operandi for Putin, who has always hated the press unless it's a photo op of him shirtless, hunting tigers in Siberia," the friend added.