Heightened Security Measures in Russia Amid Fears of Plot Against President Putin
Recent intelligence reports indicate a significant increase in security precautions surrounding Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to multiple European intelligence sources, there are growing concerns within the Russian government about the possibility of an attempted coup or assassination targeting the president.
Over the past year, the number of public locations regularly visited by President Putin has reportedly decreased substantially. He has stopped visiting key presidential residences in the capital region and in Valdai, located between Moscow and Saint Petersburg. These changes in routine are detailed in intelligence documents reviewed by international media outlets.
Furthermore, it has been noted that President Putin has not visited any military installations during the current year, in stark contrast to his frequent appearances at such sites in previous years. Visual materials released to the public, portraying him with military personnel, are believed to be archival rather than recent.
Amid the ongoing conflict, President Putin is said to be spending extended periods in his private, highly secure facility in the Krasnodar region near the Black Sea. Intelligence sources suggest that he has remained there for several weeks at a time, reflecting heightened caution in his personal movements.
This intensified security posture follows a series of attacks targeting high-ranking Russian military officials. The Russian leadership, according to the intelligence gathered earlier this year, is concerned about possible internal threats, including coups or assassination plots against the president.
Security forces have increased their patrols, particularly along the Moscow River, with a specific focus on preventing drone attacks against government officials. The need for enhanced security measures is not limited to the president alone; all individuals with direct access to him, such as chefs, security personnel, and photographers, have been instructed not to use public transportation. Surveillance cameras have also been installed in the homes of staff members to monitor any unusual activity.
Those entering the Kremlin are now subject to multiple body scans, and individuals in the president's immediate circle are only permitted to carry phones without internet connectivity. These measures reflect a comprehensive tightening of security protocols designed to mitigate potential threats.
Beyond the presidential staff, overall security in Moscow has also been reinforced. In certain areas of the capital, access to the internet has been restricted, and security forces remain on high alert for potential attacks, including the possibility of drone strikes.
One potential reason for the increased caution is a recent decline in public trust toward President Putin. A recent poll revealed that 73 percent of respondents expressed confidence in his leadership--a figure that, while still high by international standards, represents the lowest level recorded since the conflict with Ukraine began.
Analysts point to the rising number of attacks on Russian territory, including recent drone strikes on oil facilities in Tuapse and Perm, which caused significant environmental damage, as factors contributing to declining support.
Another area of concern for the Kremlin is the influence of former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who now heads the Russian Security Council. Shoigu is seen as a significant figure within the military, and the arrest of his close associate, former Deputy Defense Minister Ruslan Tsalikov, earlier this year is viewed as a notable shift in the power dynamics among Russia's elite.
In response to these developments, personal protection for ten high-ranking Russian military officials has also been strengthened, as outlined in the intelligence documents.