Russia Increases Security for President Ahead of Military Parade

Russian officials have admitted to stepping up protection for the president before Saturday's military parade. Officials blamed threats from Ukraine for the heightened measures. A spokesperson said that additional security protocols were being implemented given the rather complex operational situation.

The spokesperson declined to address speculation about an internal coup. An unnamed European intelligence agency has raised concerns about a possible coup potentially linked to the former defence minister. The European spy agency's assessment was reported by Important Stories.

The assessment paints a picture of the Russian president limiting his movements over security concerns. The president has reportedly stopped visiting his preferred residences, including properties in the Moscow region and Valdai. Officials fear these locations could be targeted by drone attacks orchestrated by members of Russia's political elite.

The Federal Protective Service has intensified its protocols around the Russian leader. Visitors entering the Presidential Administration now face two separate screening processes. This includes comprehensive physical searches conducted by agency personnel.

The agency has also curtailed the number of locations where the president appears. Neither the president nor his family frequent their traditional residences. The president resides with former Olympic gymnast Alina Kabaeva, 42, and their two sons, Ivan, 11, and Vladimir, six, who go by the surname Spiridonov.

The intelligence assessment alleges that since the Ukraine conflict began, the president has frequently retreated to refurbished underground facilities in the Krasnodar region. He sometimes remains there for weeks while Russian media broadcasts pre-recorded material.

The Krasnodar region faces regular Ukrainian drone attacks and houses the president's £1billion clifftop Gelendzhik palace. The former defence minister has been linked to coup concerns since March. Efforts to undermine his position appeared evident last month when his former deputy was detained on corruption allegations involving family assets worth approximately £50million.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky refrained from repeating earlier threats to deploy military drones during Saturday's parade. He confirmed Ukraine would continue striking Russia with long-range missiles and drones while hostilities persist.