Vladimir Putin Retreats to Bunkers Amid Coup Fears

Reports from a European intelligence agency indicate that Vladimir Putin has spent several weeks hiding in underground bunkers and his Gelendzhik palace in the Krasnodar region. Since early March 2026, the Russian president has grown concerned over potential assassination plots involving drones and sensitive information leaks orchestrated by the Russian political elite.

The instability follows the December 2025 assassination of Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov in Moscow, which sparked conflict between Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov and FSB head Alexander Bortnikov. Intelligence reports specifically link Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu to coup risks due to his influence within the military high command. The arrest of Shoigu's former deputy, Ruslan Tsalikov, is viewed as an attempt to weaken the secretary's standing.

In response, the Federal Protective Service has implemented drastic security protocols, including installing surveillance in staff homes, banning personnel from using public transport, and restricting the use of internet-enabled phones. Putin has reportedly ceased visiting military facilities and usual residences in Valdai and Ogaryovo, opting instead for pre-recorded footage for public communications.

On May 7, 2026, the Kremlin confirmed tightened security for the May 9 Victory Day parade, citing a Ukrainian terrorist threat. The parade was scaled back to exclude tanks and missile systems. While Russia declared a brief ceasefire for May 8 and 9, the government warned that any Ukrainian disruption of the celebrations would be met with missile attacks on central Kyiv.