Bunker Living: When Fear Becomes a Lifestyle
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives for a ceremony to launch the Year of the Unity of the Peoples of Russia in Moscow, Russia February 5, 2026. Sputnik/Vyacheslav Prokofyev/Pool via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY.
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has stepped up his personal security and significantly reduced his movements, according to European intelligence, amid fears of a coup or assassination attempt. The report also notes conflicts among Russian security forces amid attacks in Ukraine and internal tensions within Russia.
This is reported by the Financial Times.
According to journalists, since March 2026, the Russian Federal Security Service has significantly increased security measures around Putin. Documents obtained by several international publications indicate that the Russian president has stopped visiting several of his residences, including Valdai and those in the Moscow region.
Intelligence reports suggest that Putin spends much of his time in bunkers, particularly in Krasnodar Krai, where he can stay for weeks, while his press service releases pre-recorded videos.
It is also reported that visitors to the Russian presidential administration have been required to undergo double security checks. Employees who come into contact with Putin have been banned from using phones with internet access and public transport. Video surveillance systems have been installed in the apartments of security guards, cooks, and photographers.
The report notes that the Kremlin fears collusion within Russian political elites more than external attacks and specifically notes that Putin is considering the risk of a drone attack.
“The shock from the Ukrainian operation using the ‘Website’ drones is still being felt,” a source familiar with Putin said.
It is noted that additional concern in the Kremlin was caused by US actions against Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in January. After that, the FSO further strengthened the Russian president’s security.
According to journalists, Ukraine’s attacks on Russian military personnel in the rear have led to internal disputes between representatives of the Russian security forces. In December 2025, the report states, a dispute arose between the chief of the general staff, Valery Gerasimov; the director of the FSB, Alexander Bortnikov; and the head of the Rosgvardia, Viktor Zolotov, during a security meeting.
After that, Putin instructed the FSO to provide security for Gerasimov and 10 other high-ranking officers of the Russian Ministry of Defense.
The journalists also reported that some of the data from the report is confirmed by independent sources. In particular, a current FSB employee stated that some of the technical resources of the special services were reoriented to wiretapping representatives of the Russian authorities and government.
In addition, journalists noted that in 2026, not a single deputy of the Russian State Duma received an invitation to the May 9 parade on Red Square, which may also indicate the Kremlin’s growing fears about an internal threat.
Recall that with the coming to power of Vladimir Putin, Russia has turned into a totalitarian state, and the dictator himself is increasingly wary of losing control over the country. Experts note that the fear of a coup indicates the weakness of his regime.
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