How real is a coup threat against Russia's president?

Key Points:

• The Kremlin has significantly increased security around President Vladimir Putin due to fears of assassination or a coup, according to a leaked report from an unnamed European intelligence agency cited by iStories, CNN, and the Financial Times.
• The report highlights growing tensions within Russia's elite security and military circles, particularly involving former defense minister Sergei Shoigu, who is seen as a potentially destabilizing figure despite his reduced influence.
• Security measures in Moscow, including disruptions to communications and deployment of electronic warfare systems, have been intensified, leading to the scaling back of the traditional Victory Day parade amid fears of drone attacks organized from within Russia.
• Analysts note that Putin's role as mediator among competing elite factions has weakened, increasing rivalries over resources and power, though experts remain divided on the likelihood of an actual coup or assassination attempt.
• The internal competition among Russia's ruling elites centers on securing resources and influence rather than overthrowing Putin, with the current system benefiting from these divisions and the Kremlin's control over elite privileges.