Putin Increasingly Fears Drones, Assassination and A Coup: Leaked Intel

Moscow's traditional Victory Day parade will not have armored vehicles, or many troops - nor will it have as many invited guests. But it will have anti-drone netting in Red Square.

While much of this is due to the beating the Russian military has taken in Ukraine, there is reported to be another reason as well: Putin is apparently deeply paranoid about an assassination attempt and coup, possibly initiated by drones. This is not a sign that he is 'winning' in Ukraine - or anywhere else. JL

Julia Struck-Feschenko reports in the Kyiv Post:

Russia President Vladimir Putin reportedly fears an assassination attempt, including the possible use of drones, as well as a potential coup attempt from within Russia’s political and security elite. Heightened secrecy around Putin is reflected in changes, including the absence of invitations for State Duma deputies to this year’s Victory Day parade in Red Square. These claims are based on a leaked European intelligence report cited by Russian outlet Vazhnyye Novosti and CNN.

Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly fears an assassination attempt, including the possible use of drones, as well as a potential coup attempt from within Russia’s political and security elite.

The claims are based on a leaked European intelligence report cited by Russian outlet Important Stories [Vazhnyye Novosti] and CNN.

According to the publication, the document describes the “real state of affairs” inside the Kremlin and was allegedly leaked by a source linked to a European intelligence agency. 

The source reportedly holds an official position in a European government and risks professional consequences if the document proves to be part of a disinformation effort.

Important Stories noted that the authenticity of the material cannot be independently verified, but said it had reviewed the report in full. Kyiv Post wasn’t able to independently verify the claims. 

According to the report, since early March, the Kremlin has been increasingly concerned about leaks of sensitive information and the possibility of a conspiracy or attempted coup against Putin.

It specifically states that Putin fears a potential assassination attempt involving drones, allegedly linked to members of Russia’s political elite.

In response, the Federal Protective Service (FSO) has reportedly significantly tightened security measures around the Russian president.

Security tightened around Putin

The report outlines a series of alleged security changes around Putin and his inner circle. 

According to the document, visitors to the presidential administration now undergo two levels of screening, including full searches conducted by FSO officers.

It also claims that the list of locations Putin regularly visits has been significantly reduced. The report says that neither Putin nor his family are currently staying at their usual residences in the Moscow region or in Valdai.

Instead, it alleges that since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Putin has frequently been based in modernized bunkers, including facilities in the Krasnodar region, where he can reportedly work for extended periods while Russian media continue to use pre-recorded footage. 

It further claims that no visits to military facilities have been organized this year, in contrast to frequent trips in 2025, and that internet and communication shutdowns are periodically imposed in parts of Moscow.

Security measures are also said to include extensive FSO sweeps, with canine units deployed and personnel stationed along the Moskva River to counter potential drone attacks.

The report adds that the FSO is responsible for monitoring and approving media content involving Putin under a secret decree.

Staff working in close proximity to the Russian president are reportedly banned from using mobile phones and are required to use offline devices.

They are also said to be prohibited from using public transport and must rely exclusively on FSO vehicles, while surveillance systems are allegedly installed in the homes of personnel such as cooks, photographers, and security staff.

Concerns over coup risks and elite tensions

The report also links growing internal tensions to former Defense Minister and current Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu. 

It claims that Shoigu is associated with potential coup risks due to his continued influence within the military leadership.

The arrest of his former deputy Ruslan Tsalikov on March 5 – on charges of embezzlement, money laundering, and bribery, according to Russia’s Investigative Committee – is presented in the report as a sign of weakening informal protections among the elite.

However, no evidence is provided linking Shoigu, who was previously considered one of Putin’s closest allies, personally to any wrongdoing.

CNN also references the June 2023 mutiny led by Wagner Group head Yevgeny Prigozhin, describing it as a failed coup attempt against Putin.

The intelligence report further claims that concerns over the safety of senior military officials have intensified tensions between Russia’s security agencies.

Following the assassination of Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov in December 2025, Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov reportedly called for a Security Council meeting to address internal security failures.

Internal disputes within security leadership

At a closed Security Council meeting held in December, the report claims senior officials blamed one another for gaps in protection systems exposed by Ukrainian attacks.

Federal Security Service (FSB) Director Alexander Bortnikov reportedly said it is impossible to fully prevent such attacks and criticized the Defense Ministry for lacking dedicated protection units for senior officers. 

Rosgvardia chief Viktor Zolotov reportedly rejected responsibility for protecting Defense Ministry officials, sparking tensions with Gerasimov.

Putin is said to have urged calm and ordered officials to submit proposals to improve the situation.

Expanded protection for senior officials

Following the meeting, Putin reportedly held discussions with FSO Director Dmitry Kochnev. It was decided to expand the list of individuals under enhanced protection.

Previously, such protection applied only to Gerasimov. According to the report, it has now been extended to ten senior generals, including three deputy chiefs of the General Staff.

Claims of corroboration

Important Stories said some details in the report are supported by independent sources.

A former FSB officer reportedly told the outlet that the FSO – not the FSB – is behind widespread internet shutdowns in Moscow, although the publication noted it had previously lacked a second source to confirm this.

The outlet also said multiple sources within Russia’s security services confirmed heightened fears of a conspiracy or assassination attempt.

According to the report, internal priorities have shifted, with some surveillance resources redirected toward monitoring government agencies rather than traditional criminal cases.

It also claims that heightened secrecy around Putin is reflected in symbolic changes, including the absence of invitations for State Duma deputies to this year’s Victory Day parade in Red Square.