Overview
- CNN published a European intelligence dossier that says the Kremlin imposed sweeping controls around Vladimir Putin, including home surveillance for aides, double checks for visitors, and offline-only phones for close staff.
- The report says these steps followed the December 2025 assassination of General Fanil Sarvarov in Moscow, which set off disputes inside Russia’s security and military leadership.
- Putin has sharply cut official travel, avoided his usual residences near Moscow and at Valdai, and is reported to spend long stretches in reinforced bunkers, with pre‑recorded footage used to maintain a public image of normal activity.
- The dossier names Security Council secretary Sergei Shoigu as a potential coup risk and notes that the March 5 arrest of his former deputy, Ruslan Tsalikov, weakened his position within the elite.
- Moscow has not verified the leak’s claims, but Russia says this year’s May 9 Victory Day parade will exclude missile systems and armored vehicles, signaling a heightened security posture.