Kremlin Tightens Security Around Vladimir Putin Amid Assassination Fears

The Kremlin has significantly increased security measures around Russian President Vladimir Putin following growing concerns over assassination attempts and the possibility of a coup within the country’s leadership, according to a European intelligence report.

The report suggests that heightened precautions were introduced after a series of killings targeting senior Russian military officials and rising tensions within the country’s security establishment. These developments have reportedly triggered alarm at the highest levels of government.

Under the new measures, individuals working closely with Putin—including staff such as cooks, bodyguards and photographers—face strict restrictions. They are no longer allowed to use public transport, and communication devices must be limited to phones without internet access. Visitors meeting the president must undergo multiple layers of security screening.

Surveillance has also been expanded beyond official spaces. According to the report, monitoring systems have been installed in the homes of close staff members to prevent leaks of sensitive information. These steps reflect concerns about internal threats as much as external ones.

The intelligence findings point to a growing sense of unease within the Kremlin, driven by a combination of factors including economic challenges, battlefield setbacks in Ukraine, and signs of dissent among elites. Russian forces have reportedly suffered heavy losses, adding further strain to the leadership.

Putin’s movements have also been restricted. The report claims he has reduced travel to regular residences and military sites, instead spending extended periods in fortified locations, including underground bunkers. Public appearances are said to be carefully managed, sometimes relying on pre-recorded footage.

A key concern highlighted in the report is the potential for a coup attempt. It names Sergei Shoigu, the former defense minister, as a figure associated with such risks due to his continued influence within military circles. However, no direct evidence of an active plot has been publicly confirmed.

Tensions within Russia’s leadership have reportedly intensified following disputes between senior officials over security failures. After the assassination of a top general in late 2025, disagreements emerged between military and intelligence leaders over responsibility and preparedness.

The Kremlin has not officially responded to the report, and some of its claims remain difficult to independently verify. Analysts note that intelligence disclosures of this nature may also serve strategic or political purposes.

Despite the uncertainty, the report paints a picture of a leadership increasingly focused on internal security, as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to exert pressure on Russia’s political and military systems.