The Kremlin, official residence of the Russian President, has reportedly tightened personal security around Vladimir Putin in response to the assassinations of top Russian military figures amid fears of a coup. CNN obtained a report from a European intelligence agency that revealed surveillance systems were being installed in the homes of close staffers as part of the new security measures.
The report claimed cooks, bodyguards, and photographers, who work with the President, were banned from traveling on public transport. It further added that Putin’s visitors would be screened twice, and those working close to him could only use phones without internet access.
Many of the measures were reportedly taken in the last few months following the assassination of a top general in December, leading to a rift in the top ranks of Russia’s security establishment. Pressure has been mounting on the Russian administration, with domestic and international dissent and economic distress.
According to the report, security officials reduced the number of sites often visited by Putin, including his family’s usual residences in Moscow and his summer property, Vadai.
The report stated he had not yet visited a military facility during the year. It also suggests that the Kremlin releases pre-recorded images of the President to the public.
Since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022, Putin reportedly spends weeks in upgraded bunkers, usually in Krasnodar, hours away from Moscow.
The report also claimed rising fears of a potential coup among the Russian government.
It said, “Kremlin and Vladimir Putin himself have been concerned about potential leaks of sensitive information, as well as the risk of a plot or coup attempt targeting the Russian president. He is particularly wary of the use of drones for a possible assassination attempt by members of the Russian political elite.”
The report made a specific mention of sidelined former Defense Minister, Sergei Shoigu, claiming he “is associated with the risk of a coup, as he retains significant influence within the military high command.”
