Putin's Public Appearances: Security Measures Underestimated

Amid claims circulating on pro-Russian social media that President Vladimir Putin travels without security, recent footage from his trip to Siberia paints a different picture. A video shared on X, depicting Putin engaging with supporters, has garnered significant attention, but a closer inspection reveals a substantial security presence accompanying the Russian leader.

On August 12, a user on X claimed that Putin's public appearances contrasted sharply with the extensive security measures surrounding French President Emmanuel Macron. The user praised Putin’s ability to connect with his people, suggesting that the lack of visible security indicated a strong bond between the president and the public. However, experts reveal a more complex reality.

An unnamed security analyst confirmed that Putin's security detail during his visit to Novosibirsk was robust, likening it to that of Macron's. The analyst pointed out that the crowd seen in the viral video was organized under a controlled environment, with a significant security apparatus in place. Observations included a convoy that had clearly shut down roads prior to Putin's arrival, ensuring a secure and managed interaction.

The footage in question, showing Putin mingling with supporters, also featured personnel in military gear, equipped with night-vision goggles and assault rifles, indicating a specialized security detail. The presence of individuals from the "Служба безопасности президента Российской Федерации" (Security Services for the President of the Russian Federation) was noted, further emphasizing the preparedness surrounding his public engagements.

In total, our analysis identified at least 13 members of Putin's security team in the vicinity during the interaction, not accounting for other security personnel stationed in the background or inside the convoy. Notably, the president’s vehicle was an Aurus Senat, an armored limousine designed to withstand significant ballistic threats. This vehicle is outfitted with BR5-level protection, which meets the highest European standards for armored vehicles.

Moreover, the convoy included a van displaying features suggestive of advanced security technology, potentially for drone interference or satellite communication. The analyst detailed a three-zone security strategy in place: the first zone focused on direct protection of Putin, managed by specialized units; the second was under the control of military police, and the third involved local police to secure the broader area.

Additional security measures were also reported, including police directing spectators away from the road to ensure a controlled environment for the president's visit. A witness recounted being moved away from a bus stop to a ditch with children, indicating preemptive crowd management tactics implemented by security forces.

Furthermore, reports from Ateo Breaking, a critical Russian media outlet, suggested air defense measures were deployed during Putin's visit, as evidenced by the presence of military vehicles equipped with weaponry aimed at potential aerial threats.

Source: www.france24.com