Polina Dibrova on Marriage Red Flags: ‘I Needed a Safety Net’
Polina Dibrova on Marriage Red Flags: ‘I Needed a Safety Net’
The Dibrova family’s split in 2025 was one of the most talked-about celebrity breakups. After 16 years of marriage, Polina and Dmitry Dibrova officially ended their relationship without public scandals or legal battles. Today, Polina speaks openly about her past, with respect and no bitterness.
Life with Dmitry
Polina recalls that she never lacked materially while married to the TV host. Dmitry took full financial responsibility for the family and insisted she didn’t need to work. Instead, he saw her role as focusing on their home, raising their children, self-care, and personal growth. Initially, this lifestyle suited Polina, but over time, she felt a growing sense of emptiness.
Polina admits she became bored and sought something that would give her both fulfillment and a sense of independence. This led her to create a women’s club, a project that still thrives today and has become her life’s work.
Financial Independence and Security
Polina realized that having her own income wasn’t about ambition or competing with her husband; it was about security—for herself and her family. She shared this openly in the “Unravel Me” podcast:
“Dmitry and I went through various phases in our marriage. There were tough times. But I started the club to support my family because I knew we had three sons. I needed to create a safety net for myself. You never know how things will turn out—no one is immune to life’s uncertainties. Dmitry could have left, or I could have, and I might have been left with the kids.”
Polina emphasizes that she never aimed to dominate the marriage. She embraced a traditional family model where the man is the primary provider. Dmitry generously spoiled her, understanding her tastes, lovingly selecting gifts, and even bringing her clothes that perfectly matched her style and size. She remembers this with warmth, feeling surrounded by care and attention.
Despite her financial independence, Polina never wanted to overshadow Dmitry:
“I was married and never wanted to pull the blanket over to my side. I had a husband who earned money, and I focused on buying things for myself and saving a little. In reality, I worked hard and reached a point where I could support myself and my sons. But I never wanted to flaunt it because it might make him seem weaker.”
Age Gap and Public Scrutiny
The significant age difference between Polina and Dmitry often drew public attention. Polina was just 19 when she married Dmitry, who was 30 years older. Critics accused her of being with him for money, but Polina insists that financial security was never her primary concern. She had been earning her own money since her teenage years and saw Dmitry’s financial stability as a sign of intelligence, success, and life experience. It was the intellectual connection and the opportunity to learn from Dmitry that initially drew her to him.
A Peaceful Divorce
On September 25th, the Odintsovo Court in the Moscow region officially dissolved Polina and Dmitry Dibrova’s marriage. The process was smooth, with both parties agreeing on financial and property matters in advance. Unlike other high-profile divorces, this one ended without public conflict. Polina confirmed this in a recent interview with Ksenia Sobchak, explaining that she chose not to complicate Dmitry’s life and acted with integrity.
Polina left the marital home to Dmitry and moved into rented accommodation, recognizing the effort and years he had invested in his career and their home. She believed that additional property disputes would have been a significant blow to him, while she was confident in her ability to provide for herself and her children.
Photo: Social media, video stills
For more insights, you can listen to the full interview on the Unravel Me podcast.
