Famous actor and martial arts master Jean-Claude Van Damme celebrated his 65th birthday in October. One of the warmest congratulations for the star was a message from his close friend, Ukrainian Alena Kaverina, originally from Kryvyi Rih.
Alena first posted a joint photo with the actor on Instagram, accompanying it with tender words:
"Happy birthday, my best friend. You are the best in the world. May all your dreams come true."
In the picture, the couple poses in an embrace, which immediately aroused keen interest among Van Damme's fans.
Rumors of a romance between Jean-Claude Van Damme and a Ukrainian woman have been circulating since 2009. Despite this, the couple avoids publicity and does not comment on their relationship. It is known that they travel together and occasionally appear at social events.
At the end of 2022, Van Damme even came to Ukraine - he visited Uzhgorod, where he visited one of the clinics. Doctors did not disclose the details of his stay at the time, but this visit aroused great interest among fans.
The actor has been married five times to four women, including twice to bodybuilder Gladys Portugues. She bore him two children, and they are still technically married. However, it is rumored that they have been living separately for many years.
Van Damme himself has repeatedly called Gladys his "soulmate," but at the same time he spends a lot of time with Alyona Kaverina, whom he calls "his second friend and close person.".
Despite his close ties to Ukraine, Van Damme has recently caused outrage among Ukrainian fans. He previously supported Ukraine and repeatedly shouted "Glory to Ukraine!", but this year he shocked with his statements in favor of Russian dictator Putin.
The actor even recorded a video message praising the Russian leader and hinting that he was planning a trip to Russia. This action sparked a wave of criticism, with many Ukrainians calling it a betrayal and losing any sympathy for the actor's former support.
It seems that for Van Damme, "personal relationships" and political positions remain at different poles — although for Ukrainians, such duality sounds especially painful.
