Assassination Fears, Coup Risk Drive Security Around Putin

The Kremlin has tightened security around Russian President Vladimir Putin, introducing stricter controls for staff and limiting his movements amid fears of assassination attempts and possible political intrigue within Russia’s elite, according to a European intelligence report obtained by CNN.

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The dossier outlines a series of new precautions adopted after a string of killings targeting senior military figures and rising concern inside the Kremlin over internal instability as the war in Ukraine continues.

New Restrictions on Staff and Visitors

The report says individuals working closely with Putin — including cooks, bodyguards and photographers — are now prohibited from using public transport. Staff members must rely on phones without internet access, while visitors seeking meetings with the Russian leader must pass through two rounds of security screening.

Surveillance systems have also reportedly been installed in the homes of some presidential staff.

The intelligence assessment suggests these steps reflect growing unease within the Kremlin as Russia faces mounting pressures from the war, economic strain and signs of dissent at home.

Reduced Public Appearances

According to the report, security officials have significantly reduced the number of locations Putin regularly visits.

The president and his family have reportedly stopped using several residences in the Moscow region and at Valdai, a well-known retreat between Moscow and St. Petersburg often associated with the Russian leader’s private stays.

The dossier also claims Putin has not visited military facilities so far this year, despite making such trips regularly in 2025. Instead, the Kremlin is said to distribute pre-recorded images to maintain the appearance of normal public activity.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the report says Putin has also spent extended periods in fortified bunkers, including locations in Russia’s Krasnodar region near the Black Sea.

Concerns Over Coup Plot

The intelligence document says the Kremlin has been increasingly worried about the risk of internal betrayal since March 2026, including potential information leaks and the possibility of a coup attempt.

It claims Putin is particularly concerned about drones being used in a possible assassination attempt by members of Russia’s political elite.

One notable figure mentioned in the report is former defence minister Sergei Shoigu, now secretary of Russia’s Security Council. The dossier says Shoigu retains significant influence among senior military leaders and is therefore associated with a potential risk of a coup.

The report adds that the arrest of Shoigu’s former deputy, Ruslan Tsalikov, on corruption charges in March may have weakened longstanding informal protections among Russia’s ruling elite.

Russia’s investigative committee has said Tsalikov was detained on allegations including embezzlement, bribery and money laundering.

The intelligence report does not present evidence supporting claims about Shoigu’s possible involvement in a coup plot.

Tensions Within Security Leadership

The dossier also describes tensions among Russia’s top security officials following the killing of Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov in Moscow in December 2025.

After the assassination, Putin reportedly summoned senior officials including Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov and Federal Security Service chief Alexander Bortnikov.

According to the report, Gerasimov criticized the security services for failing to protect senior officers, while Bortnikov complained about insufficient resources.

Following the dispute, Putin expanded the responsibilities of the Federal Protection Service to provide security for additional senior military commanders.

Intelligence Claims Hard to Verify

The intelligence report comes as Russia’s war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, with heavy casualties and increasing Ukrainian drone strikes inside Russia.

However, the claims in the dossier are difficult to independently verify. Western intelligence leaks often reflect broader political messaging as well as confidential information.

The Kremlin has not publicly responded to the report.

Putin has continued to appear at official meetings, including recent talks with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Security concerns have also affected public events. Russia’s annual Victory Day parade on May 9 — marking the Soviet victory in World War Two — will reportedly take place without heavy weaponry this year.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said the adjustments reflect security threats, including the growing reach of Ukrainian strikes inside Russian territory.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 5 May 2026