Report: Putin fears assassination attempt by Russia’s political elite, tightens security

Key Points:

• Russia’s Federal Protective Service (FSO) has intensified security measures to protect President Vladimir Putin, driven by fears of assassination attempts, including his extended stays in upgraded bunkers and reduced public appearances.
• Security protocols now include strict surveillance of Putin’s inner circle, banning public transportation for close staff, and limiting their phone use to non-internet devices, alongside large-scale sweeps and drone attack countermeasures in Moscow.
• The assassination of Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov in December 2025 triggered conflicts among Russia’s security services, leading to expanded protection for senior military officials and heightened inter-agency tensions.
• Putin has expressed concerns about leaks, conspiracies, and drone threats from within Russia’s political elite, with particular suspicion on former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who remains influential but is seen as a destabilizing figure.
• The recent arrest of former First Deputy Defense Minister Ruslan Tsalikov on corruption charges is viewed as undermining Shoigu’s position and increasing the risk of further elite prosecutions, though these claims remain unverified.