Vladimir Putin is sealing off a large section of the Russian resort city of Sochi as part of plans to secure a newly rebuilt seaside palace amid growing fears over his personal safety. The indicted war criminal is reconstructing the historic Bocharov Ruchey residence, a former Soviet retreat on the Black Sea, after reports he became reluctant to use the original property following Ukrainian drone attacks.
The complex was reportedly bulldozed and rebuilt amid claims the previous residence was no longer considered secure or grand enough for the Kremlin leader. New underground bunkers are now being installed beneath the site as part of a major security overhaul, according to independent Russian outlet Proekt. A source told independent media outlet Proekt: “A Putin acquaintance confirmed to Proekt that the president is truly afraid to fly south.”
Leaked security plans suggest the rebuilt compound will be surrounded by a 1.2-square-mile “lockdown zone” across parts of Sochi.
The measures, reported by investigative outlet Agentsvo, involve sweeping restrictions imposed by Russia’s Federal Protective Service (FSO), the elite unit responsible for guarding the president.
The rules would ban drones, shooting clubs, paintball venues and any activities involving replica weapons near the palace grounds.
Other restrictions reportedly include bans on helicopter landing pads, vehicle repair workshops, livestock, landfills and large banner displays.
Controls will also extend into the surrounding coastal waters, with fishing vessels and leisure boats prohibited near the residence.
Observers say the scale of the security perimeter is unprecedented, with no previous Soviet or Russian leader believed to have imposed such wide-ranging measures around a personal residence.
Putin is believed to spend time at his various residences with Alina Kabaeva, 42, a former Olympic gymnast widely reported to be his partner, along with their two young sons.
The Sochi complex is separate from another controversial residence linked to the Russian leader — a vast £1 billion clifftop palace near Gelendzhik on the Black Sea, often compared to the lair of a James Bond villain.
Putin’s properties are known for their lavish facilities, which reportedly include luxury spas, medical centres, multiple underground levels and reinforced bunkers, as well as protection from some of Russia’s most advanced air defence systems.
The Bocharov Ruchey residence also has historical significance. In 2013 it hosted then UK prime minister David Cameron for talks with Putin.
The original complex traces its roots back to the Soviet era. It was commissioned by Joseph Stalin, who died before he could use it, and the project was later completed under his successor Nikita Khrushchev.