A PARANOID Vladimir Putin is now regularly wearing bulletproof vests for public appearances, reports have claimed.
The Kremlin evidently fears the ageing despot could face an assassination bid linked to his war in Ukraine or from Islamic terrorists.
East2WestParanoid Putin is said to be wearing bulletproof vests regularly for public appearances[/caption]
East2WestMoscow fears the ageing despot might be assassinated[/caption]
East2WestSome of Vlad’s bodyguards carried portable body armour designed as briefcases[/caption]
The country’s special services “have ramped up the already strict security measures surrounding President Vladimir Putin to an unprecedented degree”, The Moscow Times reports.
The Kremlin is on “heightened alert over its invasion of Ukraine – but is also “rattled” by recent attacks on high-ranking politicians in Europe and Asia.
A Russian source told the news outlet: “The Kremlin takes Vladimir Putin’s security very seriously.
“He is protected by a whole army of visible and invisible guards.”
The report claimed that the 71-year-old tyrant has been wearing body armour at outdoor events “since at least 2023”.
“He has been doing so on the strong recommendation of the Presidential Security Service (SBP), a unit within the Federal Guard Service (FSO) that protects the president,” said authoritative The Moscow Times, citing one of its sources.
Putin wore the body armour beneath his coat during a major appearance on May 9 on Red Square when he presided over the annual Victory Day military parade celebrating the defeat of Hitler, the report said.
This is an event when his security is highly visible, and snipers are present on rooftops around the square.
Footage of Vlad walking with ex-defence minister Sergei Shoigu appears to show him momentarily discomforted by the alleged body armour.
“This year on May 9, the chief [Putin] was clearly wearing concealed body armour during the parade. And that precaution, I think, is necessary,” said one official.
“God protects the cautious,” said a second.
The news outlet also quoted Jade Miller, described as an independent British hostile environment and high-risk security consultant, who examined in detail footage of Putin at the Victory Day parade.
She concluded that he was indeed wearing a bulletproof vest.
“Putin appears to be walking in a rather rigid manner and there are no natural creases appearing at the back of his overcoat when walking and shaking military personnel hands,” said Miller.
The consultant went on to explain how his upper body frame “looks unnatural and his shoulders appear rather wide and square, showing no shape of the back and shoulder blades”.
At one point “a part of his overcoat appears to get caught under what could potentially be a ballistic vest”.
The day was unusually cold for the time of year, and many attendees had donned extra clothing.
But Putin “appears to lift and adjust his shoulders in a way that shows discomfort from how a ballistic vest is designed to sit on the shoulders or collarbone,” she concluded.
The weight of such body armour may cause discomfort and irritation when worn for a prolonged time.
The British expert concluded Putin kept his overcoat fastened up high and was “seen …checking that it is closed, as though he is trying to ensure no one can see an undergarment”.
She concluded: “In my professional opinion, Putin is wearing some form of ballistic protection during his time attending the parade”.
On May 9, multiple security operatives were visible, especially when he presented over the laying of wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in nearby Alexander Garden, under the Kremlin Wall.
Some carried portable body armour designed as briefcases, whole officers also likely held his nuclear briefcase with codes for the launch of atomic missiles.
Andrei Soldatov, co-founder of Russian secret service watchdog Agentura.ru, said: “Putin is a rather unique leader in that he usually agrees to increased security/expansion of the security perimeter when his guards ask for it.
“Usually, other leaders tend to be in constant conflict with their guards, but not Putin.
“He almost always goes along with their demands. And right now, I think he’s going along with them.”
Paranoid Putin has been often seen flanked by bodyguards on high alert – even when he’s among “trusted” friends.
TREMBLING TYRANT
According to one of his former guards, Putin lives in constant fear of being assassinated and doesn’t trust his own staff.
Vitaly Brizhatiy is reported to be a member of Putin’s security staff at a previously undisclosed residence used by Vlad in Crimea.
Speaking to one of the few independent Russian TV stations, Brizhatiy provided some insight into Vlad’s growing paranoia.
The ex-guard, who is said to have been in charge of Vlad’s estate’s canines, left Russia and is currently living in Ecuador.
The chief guard dog handler told how [Putin’s] presence in the sprawling palace “is hidden even from his own staff.
They are told that he is there, but he might not be…
“He does not trust his own people.
“He trusts only a select circle of close people…
“People checking the site he is about to visit, or who stay close to him, are sent to quarantine [for as long as 3 weeks].
“This is happening on a constant basis, until this very day.”
When he arrives false information is routinely given out about the airport he will travel to – and he may then come by sea.
Brizhatiy said: “This is how a person fears for his life.”
Ahead of his rigged re-election earlier this year, footage of Putin’s address gave away telltale signs of his assassination fears amid his body double rumours.
As Putin attended a meeting with supporters in Moscow, a bodyguard carrying an armoured shield stood ready to rush onto the stage and protect him.
The man – dressed in all black – is seen holding a briefcase which unfolds into the bulletproof shield.
Putin was addressing some 550 “trusted” backers who will speak for him during his election campaign.
Even among friends, his security was evidently nervous, especially at the moment that members of the audience got up to speak.
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