The Russian Federal Protective Service (FSO), responsible for the security of Vladimir Putin, has significantly tightened protection protocols due to fears of assassination. Reports from CNN and the Financial Times, citing European intelligence, indicate that the Russian leader is increasingly isolated, fearing not only external threats but also his own inner circle.
Putin is reportedly spending weeks at a time in modernized bunkers, specifically in the Krasnodar region. His schedule of visits has been slashed, and both he and his family have abandoned previously frequent retreats in the Moscow region and Valdai. Notably, the president has avoided visiting any military installations throughout 2026, a sharp contrast to his public appearances in previous years.
Strict security measures now apply to his entire staff. Those working within his inner circle are under constant surveillance; they are barred from using public transport and forbidden from using devices with internet access. FSO security details have been bolstered by canine units, and air defense systems, including those targeting drones, have been deployed along the Moscow River.
Tensions reached a breaking point following the December 2025 assassination of Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, whose car was blown up in a Moscow parking lot. The intelligence report describes a chaotic meeting on December 25, where high-ranking officials—including Valery Gerasimov and Alexander Bortnikov—openly blamed one another for failures in the security system. As a result, Putin ordered extra protection for ten top generals, signaling a deep erosion of trust within the military-political apparatus.
European intelligence also suggests that Putin is deeply concerned about leaks and potential conspiracies. Former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu is being viewed by some as a destabilizing force. The recent arrest of Shoigu’s ally, Ruslan Tsalikov, on corruption charges is being interpreted as a breach of the unspoken immunity agreements for elites, further heightening fears of a power struggle. To mask his absence from public view, the Kremlin continues to rely on “canned” video footage, attempting to project an image of normalcy while the president remains effectively trapped by his own security apparatus.