All articles tagged with #fso
Putin traveled to Kazan for a two-day visit to attend the Russia–ASEAN summit, his first trip outside Moscow and St. Petersburg in seven months, with heavy security and a public appearance amid sagging approval ratings and frontline strains; analysts say the outing reflects security concerns and intensified protection by the FSO.
Russia’s Federal Protective Service reportedly barred officials from wearing wristwatches during meetings with Vladimir Putin, effective mid-April, after phones were already restricted; the rule reportedly does not apply to close associates, and Putin has occasionally removed his own watch, with speculation that heightened security concerns following assassination fears prompted the move.
Putin is reportedly increasing his personal protection and expanding Kremlin security measures after intelligence sources warned of a possible elite coup and drone threats. The FSO has tightened access for Putin’s inner circle, installed home surveillance, banned internet-enabled devices for staff phones, deployed canine units, and periodically shuts down parts of Moscow’s networks. The moves follow tensions within Russia’s security services after the killing of a senior general and amid discussions about powerful figures like Shoigu; some claims remain unverified by CNN and other outlets.