The Kremlin has increased personal security around President Vladimir Putin due to fears of assassinations and a coup. These measures come as the Russian military faces significant struggles in the ongoing Ukrainian conflict.
Putin’s security enhancements include installation of surveillance systems in the homes of close staffers. Cooks, bodyguards, and photographers working with him are banned from using public transport. Visitors must undergo two screenings before meeting him.
Putin has not visited a military facility in 2026 so far. He spends weeks at a time in upgraded bunkers since the invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. The report indicates a risk of a coup attempt targeting him, particularly linked to Sergei Shoigu’s influence in the military.
Key facts:
- Estimated Russian losses reach 30,000 per month.
- Five senior military officials received extra security after a heated meeting.
- Putin survived a previous coup attempt in June 2023.
The Kremlin has reduced the number of locations that Putin regularly visits. An economic cost from the war is affecting urban elites in Russia, further complicating the political landscape.
