Putin Intensifies Security Amid Coup Plot Fears

Russian President Vladimir Putin has intensified security measures around the Kremlin amid reports of fears over potential coup plots or assassination attempts by political elites, according to a document from an unidentified European intelligence agency.

The measures, in place since March, include heightened surveillance in the homes of Putin's close staffers, restrictions on Kremlin personnel, and deployment of electronic warfare systems in Moscow to counter drone threats. Putin has reportedly reduced public appearances, spent extended periods in bunkers, and avoided luxury residences with his family. Victory Day celebrations on May 9 were significantly scaled back, with the traditional Red Square parade curtailed due to security concerns.

The intelligence report highlights tensions involving Sergei Shoigu, former defense minister and current Security Council secretary, as a potential destabilizing figure owing to his lingering influence in military circles. This comes after the March arrest of one of Shoigu's deputies and corruption convictions of several former deputy defense ministers linked to his network, including Timur Ivanov, sentenced to 13 years in prison.