Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly taking extra precautions by wearing bulletproof vests during many public appearances due to fears of potential assassination attempts linked to the war in Ukraine or from Islamic terrorists.
According to The Moscow Times, two Russian officials and a Kremlin insider have disclosed that the country's special services have significantly increased security measures around Putin to unprecedented levels. These heightened measures come amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and recent attacks on high-ranking politicians in Europe and Asia, which have alarmed the Kremlin.
A source close to the Kremlin emphasized the seriousness with which Putin's security is treated, stating, "The Kremlin takes Vladimir Putin's security very seriously. He is protected by a whole army of visible and invisible guards."
The report suggests that the 71-year-old president has been wearing body armor at outdoor events since at least 2023. The Presidential Security Service (SBP), a unit within the Federal Guard Service (FSO) responsible for protecting the president, strongly recommended this precaution.
Sources confirmed that Putin wore body armor under his jacket during the May 9 Victory Day military parade on Red Square, an event where security is visibly tight, with snipers positioned on rooftops around the square. Footage of Putin walking with ex-defense minister Sergei Shoigu appeared to show him visibly uncomfortable, presumably due to the body armor.
One official remarked, "This year on May 9, the chief [Putin] was clearly wearing concealed body armor during the parade. And that precaution, I think, is necessary." Another added, "God protects the cautious."
Independent British hostile environment and high-risk security consultant Jade Miller analyzed footage of Putin at the Victory Day parade and concluded that he was indeed wearing a bulletproof vest. Miller noted, "Putin appears to be walking in a rather rigid manner, and there are no natural creases appearing at the back of his overcoat when walking and shaking military personnel hands." She observed that his upper body frame looked unnatural, with wide and square shoulders that did not show the natural shape of the back and shoulder blades.
At one point, a part of Putin's overcoat seemed to get caught under what Miller suggested could be a ballistic vest. Despite the unusually cold weather, which led many attendees to wear extra clothing, Putin appeared to lift and adjust his shoulders in a manner consistent with the discomfort caused by a ballistic vest.
Miller concluded that the weight of such body armor could cause significant discomfort and irritation when worn for extended periods. She noted that Putin kept his overcoat fastened up high and was seen checking that it remained closed, possibly to conceal the armor underneath. "In my professional opinion, Putin is wearing some form of ballistic protection during his time attending the parade," Miller stated.
These observations underscore the heightened security measures surrounding Putin and the ongoing concerns for his safety amid the current geopolitical climate.
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