The heightened security around Russian President Vladimir Putin is a stark reminder of the escalating tensions and risks he faces. With the war in Ukraine casting a long shadow over his rule, Putin's isolation has become increasingly pronounced, and his reliance on underground bunkers is a testament to the fears of assassination and coup attempts. The Financial Times report highlights a disturbing trend: Putin's time in bunkers, including one in the Krasnodar region, has extended to weeks at a time, indicating a profound shift in his engagement with civilian affairs.
The security measures are not just about physical protection. They extend to the digital realm, with internet shutdowns in Moscow linked to heightened security protocols. This raises a deeper question: How far will these measures go to ensure Putin's safety? The answer lies in the hands of the Federal Protective Service (FSO), which has intensified large-scale security checks, deploying dog units and positioning forces along the Moscow river to respond to potential drone attacks.
The FSO's actions are a response to the shock of Ukraine's drone Operation Spiderweb, which attacked Russian airfields beyond the Arctic Circle. The US's seizure of Venezuela's leader Nicolas Maduro in January further fueled security fears. Putin's reduced public schedule and staged interactions in St. Petersburg reflect tighter security, declining approval, and a growing gap between public expectations and presidential engagement.
The situation is complex, with security chiefs blaming each other for failures that led to the killings of senior officers, including Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov. The FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov faulted the defense ministry for lacking a senior-protection unit, while National Guard head Viktor Zolotov cited limited resources. This internal discord adds a layer of complexity to Putin's already challenging position.
Andrei Kolesnikov, a Moscow-based political analyst, offers a telling perspective: Putin's reliance on security services and bunker living reflects a man who does not want to see or hear the criticism and challenges facing his regime. As the war in Ukraine continues, Putin's isolation deepens, and his bunker-bound lifestyle becomes a symbol of the extreme measures taken to maintain power.
In conclusion, the security around Putin is a stark reminder of the risks he faces and the lengths to which his regime will go to ensure his safety. As the world watches, the bunker-bound Putin becomes a figure of intrigue, a man who listens only to the security services and hopes that people will adapt to this new normal.
