Vladimir Putin is so concerned about the risk of a coup or betrayal among his loyalists that he has reportedly tightened surveillance of his collaborators, including photographers and cooks.
This is supported by a report from a European intelligence agency obtained by CNN, according to which the Kremlin has drastically strengthened the tsar's personal security following a series of assassinations of senior Russian military officials and growing fears of a coup in Moscow.
According to the Western intelligence report, some of these measures were introduced only in recent months and following the killing of high-ranking Russian general Fanil Sarvarov in December , an event that sparked a clash between the top brass of the Russian security apparatus .
THE MEASURES – In addition to installing surveillance systems in the homes of his aides, chefs, bodyguards, and photographers working with the president are also banned from using public transportation, while visitors to the Kremlin chief must undergo double screening. And those who work closely with him are only allowed to use cell phones without internet access.
VISITS STOP – Due to the security concerns, Putin and his family have also stopped traveling to their usual residences in the Moscow region and to their summer residence in Valdai , which Russia reported a drone attack by Kiev late last year. Furthermore, European intelligence has not yet recorded any visits by the tsar to Russian military facilities this year, unlike regular trips that occurred in 2025.
RISK OF CONSPIRACY – According to CNN, the measures suggest growing unease within the Kremlin, which is grappling with increasingly pressing problems both at home and abroad: according to an AFP analysis, for the first time since mid-2023, Russian forces lost ground in Ukraine in April. Added to this is the danger of a reversal of the tsar's excessive power: according to the dossier, since the beginning of March 2026, "the Kremlin and Vladimir Putin himself have been concerned about the possible leak of sensitive information, as well as the risk of a conspiracy or attempted coup against the Russian president." The document even mentions Sergei Shoigu: the former Defense Minister, now Secretary of the Russian Security Council, "is associated with the risk of a coup because he retains considerable influence within the military high command."
It's no coincidence that the dossier comes after Moscow announced major changes to the May 9th parade: this year's event will be held without heavy weaponry. The Kremlin justified this decision with fears of possible Ukrainian attacks, but Kiev interpreted it as an admission of Moscow's weakness.
(Unioneonline/vl)