Russian President Vladimir Putin has significantly tightened his security arrangements amid fears of possible assassination attempts, drone attacks and growing concerns over internal instability during the ongoing Ukraine war, according to a report by the Financial Times.
The report stated that Russia's Federal Protective Service (FSO) has increased protective measures in recent months, with sources claiming Putin is now spending long stretches in underground bunkers while directing the war effort.
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Security concerns deepen after drone attacks
According to people familiar with the situation in Moscow and sources linked to European intelligence, concerns inside the Kremlin intensified after Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian airfields, including sites beyond the Arctic Circle.
"The shock of Ukraine's drone Operation Spiderweb is still there," a person familiar with Putin told the Financial Times.
The report also said Russian authorities became increasingly worried about the possibility of a coup attempt or targeted drone strike by March this year.
Another source reportedly claimed fears rose further after the United States seized Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in January.
Putin reportedly working from bunkers
The Financial Times reported that Putin and his family are no longer staying at their residences in the Moscow region or at the Valdai estate in northwestern Russia.
Instead, the Russian president is believed to be spending weeks at a time inside fortified bunkers, including one in the Krasnodar region of southern Russia.
Sources said the Kremlin has relied on pre-recorded state media footage to maintain the appearance of normal routines and public activity.
Strict controls around Putin's inner circle
Security restrictions around Putin's staff have also reportedly become stricter. According to the report, cooks, photographers and bodyguards working near the president are barred from using public transport and are not allowed to carry mobile phones or internet-enabled devices in his vicinity.
Surveillance cameras have also reportedly been installed inside the homes of some staff members.
European intelligence-linked sources said the FSO has expanded security sweeps in Moscow, deployed dog squads and increased monitoring along the Moscow river to prevent possible drone attacks.
Growing disconnect with public
The report also highlighted increasing frustration among sections of the Russian public over internet shutdowns, taxation issues and economic pressures.
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Moscow-based political analyst Andrei Kolesnikov told the Financial Times, "Putin is like the new Banksy sculpture in London [a man carrying a flag that covers his face], he does not want to see or hear. He listens only to the security services, which now run all spheres of life, and hopes that people will adapt to this as the new normal."
Analysts quoted in the report said Putin's reduced public appearances point to expanding security fears and an increasing disconnect between the Kremlin and public expectations.
