Heightened Security Measures Surround Putin
Following the recent killings of Russian generals and mounting difficulties on the front lines, the Kremlin has significantly tightened security around President Vladimir Putin. According to a European intelligence dossier cited by CNN, new surveillance systems have been installed in the homes of Putin’s close staff, and employees who have direct contact with the president are now banned from using public transportation.
New Security Protocols
Among the enhanced measures, the Kremlin has introduced a double-check system for screening visitors. Anyone seeking access to presidential residences must undergo rigorous vetting. Staff working with Putin are permitted to use only phones without internet connectivity. Some of these restrictions were implemented after the liquidation of Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov in December 2025. Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov criticized FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov for failing to protect officers, which led to increased security for ten Russian commanders.
The Kremlin has also reduced the number of locations Putin regularly visits. The president has stopped going to his residences in the Moscow region and Valdai, instead spending more time in upgraded bunkers in Krasnodar Krai. In 2025, Putin frequently toured military facilities, but this year—likely 2026—he has avoided them entirely. The Kremlin fears drone attacks and potential information leaks within the Russian elite.
The report notes that former Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu still wields considerable influence over military command. European intelligence also suggests that Shoigu may be linked to a risk of a coup d'état.
Putin is particularly worried about drones being used for a possible assassination attempt by members of the Russian political elite, underscoring the seriousness of new threats. The security measures being implemented reflect the Kremlin’s growing anxiety about its own safety and the country’s stability.
These developments highlight rising tensions within Russia’s political establishment and reveal the dissatisfaction and fears that could shape Kremlin policy. The changes in security protocols around Putin indicate his awareness of potential threats not only from outside but also from within the country. Amid escalating military challenges and domestic political instability, such steps may represent the Kremlin’s efforts to maintain control and prevent conflict escalation within its own ranks.
As tensions rise within the Kremlin, the implications of Putin's increasing paranoia are becoming clearer. The recent growing concerns about a potential coup may further exacerbate his isolation and influence decision-making processes, shaping the future of Russian leadership amidst ongoing military challenges.