Lucrezia Ciotti European intelligence sources reported by international media describe a progressive tightening of security measures around Vladimir Putin, fueled by the fear of being able to be killedThe picture outlined speaks of a climate of growing distrust within the Russian establishment, marked by concerns about attacks, internal instability, and possible threats from within the political elite.
Security crises, critical incidents and political isolation for Vladimir Putin
Several recent episodes have contributed to increasing the perception of vulnerability within the KremlinSources cited by Financial Times they indicate in particular two events: a large-scale Ukrainian attack on air bases located on Russian territory and the swift capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the United States.
Such developments would have been interpreted as signs of an increasing capacity for action against high-level targetsThe document, however, does not clarify who actually represents the threat to Putin or what evidence these assessments are based on, limiting itself to indicating a general internal unease.
The decision by the Russian government to reduce the presence of military systems of May 9th parade, a traditional celebration of the Soviet victory in World War II, a choice seen as a further precautionary measure against possible attacks.
According to analysts, the president has become increasingly concerned about his own safety over the years, a concern already evident during the Covid-19 pandemic, when he continued to hold remote meetings and imposed long quarantine periods on visitors.
Some observers would also link the current power structure to a progressive decision-making isolation, which would have narrowed the circle of advisors to figures drawn primarily from military and security circles. Among them is former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, significantly identified by the report as one of the individuals the Russian security establishment associates with the risk of a possible coup.
"Putin fears assassination or coup": Intelligence report reveals everything
According to a report attributed to a European intelligence agency, cited by several international newspapers including the CNN, in recent months Vladimir Putin would have significantly intensified protective measures highly specialised , driven by fear of can be killed or overthrown in a coupThe sources do not indicate the agency or the country in which it operates. The document describes a more stringent security system that would include surveillance of the homes of people in the president's immediate circle, such as cooks, photographers, and bodyguards. These collaborators the use of public transport and telephones would have been banned with internet access during his presence. In parallel, the Russian leader would reduced participation in public events, while continuing to maintain an image of presence through the use of archive photographs distributed by state propaganda, so as to avoid communication gaps or speculation.
According to the report, he would spend more and more time in a bunker in the Krasnodar region and would prioritize remote meetings, avoiding travel to official residences considered more exposed. The new provisions would have been introduced in December 2025, following the assassination of General Fanil Sarvarov in Moscow, an episode highly likely attributed to the Ukrainian secret service (SBU), although never officially claimed responsibility.
The event would have exacerbated tensions between the security apparatus and the army, leading to the decision to extend the protective measures to ten other senior military officials. The report also highlights growing concern for "drone strikes and a possible assassination attempt by members of the Russian political elite".