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The Kremlin has "radically increased" security around Russian President Vladimir Putin, apparently due to growing fears of assassination or a coup, according to a report from an unnamed European intelligence agency cited by independent Russian investigative outlet iStories, as well as US broadcaster CNN and the UK's Financial Times. The account, which has stirred debate among Russia observers, details heightened protective measures in Moscow, including the deployment of mobile electronic warfare systems, and a scaled-back Victory Day parade attributed to security concerns.

Coverage Comparison

The story first emerged through iStories and was subsequently picked up by international media. Deutsche Welle's coverage, based on the same underlying report, emphasizes the increased security measures and the potential threat posed by senior Russian officials. The reporting notes that while the intelligence document originates from a single unnamed European agency, it has been referenced by multiple outlets, lending it a degree of cross-verification. However, the sources do not provide independent confirmation of the intelligence itself, and the anonymity of the agency limits external validation.

Key Claims

  • Increased security around Putin: Reports indicate that the Kremlin has significantly bolstered security for the president due to fears of assassination or a coup. This is based on the intelligence report and corroborated by observed measures such as electronic warfare systems in Moscow and the reduced scale of the Victory Day parade.
  • Unnamed European intelligence report: The initial claim stems from an unnamed European intelligence agency, as cited by iStories, CNN, and the Financial Times. The lack of a named source makes verification challenging, but the consistency across outlets is notable.
  • Sergei Shoigu as a destabilizing actor: The report identifies Russia's former defense minister and current Security Council secretary, Sergei Shoigu, as a potential destabilizing influence. While Shoigu has lost influence, he retains significant power in the military, according to Russian investigative journalist Roman Anin, founder of iStories.
  • Falling popularity and economic strain: The reporting suggests Putin's popularity is declining due to economic problems, which may be exacerbating tensions among Russian elites. This claim is presented as expert consensus rather than a direct finding of the intelligence report.
  • Security measures in Moscow: Specific steps include the use of mobile electronic warfare systems and the scaling back of the Victory Day parade, both attributed to heightened security concerns.

Perspectives

Plausibility of a Coup or Assassination Threat

Some observers find the scenario credible, pointing to successful operations by Ukrainian intelligence services inside and outside Russia as evidence that the security apparatus may be vulnerable. Others, however, view the claims as highly implausible and suggest the leaked information is part of a deliberate campaign to destabilize the Russian leadership system. This division is noted across multiple sources.

Elite Tensions and Economic Pressures

Regardless of the specific threat, experts agree that Putin is increasingly concerned about his own security. Economic strains and pressure from security forces on technocrats are seen as deepening rifts among Russian elites. The role of the "siloviki"—security and military figures surrounding Putin, many with KGB backgrounds—is highlighted as a key factor in internal dynamics.

Skepticism About the Leak

A single-source claim suggests that the leaked information may be a deliberate deception, though this perspective is not widely detailed in the available coverage. The lack of independent verification leaves room for this possibility, but it remains an outlier in the current reporting.

The Kremlin's Response

No direct comment from the Kremlin or Russian officials has been reported in the provided sources. The narrative relies on intelligence and expert analysis, with official silence leaving the situation open to interpretation.

This article is based on reports from Deutsche Welle, iStories, CNN, and the Financial Times. Further developments may emerge as more information becomes available.