Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly now wearing bulletproof vests for many of his public engagements due to worries of an assassination attempt related to his war in Ukraine or by Islamic terrorists.
Two Russian officials plus a source close to the Kremlin told The Moscow Times that the country’s special services “have ramped up the already strict security measures surrounding President Vladimir Putin to an unprecedented degree.”
The Kremlin is on ‘heightened alert’ for its invasion of Ukraine, but it is also claimed to be ‘rattled’ by recent attacks on high-ranking leaders in Europe and Asia.
A Russian source told the news outlet: “The Kremlin takes Vladimir Putin’s security very seriously. He is protected by a whole army of visible and invisible guards.”
According to the report, the 71-year-old has been wearing body armour for outdoor events ‘since at least 2023’.
The report went on: “He has been doing so on the strong recommendation of the Presidential Security Service (SBP), a unit within the Federal Guard Service (FSO) that protects the president.”
According to the article, Putin wore body armour beneath his jacket during a significant appearance on Red Square on May 9 to preside over the annual Victory Day military parade celebrating the Soviet victory over the Nazis during World War II.
This is an event where his security is prominently displayed, and snipers are stationed on roofs throughout the plaza.
Footage of him strolling with ex-defence minister Sergei Shoigu seems to demonstrate how uncomfortable he was with the supposed body armour.
“This year on May 9, the chief [Putin] was clearly wearing concealed body armour during the parade. And that precaution, I think, is necessary,” said one official.
“God protects the cautious,” said a second.
“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,” said Miller.
His upper body frame “looks unnatural and his shoulders appear rather wide & square, showing no shape of the back and shoulder blades”.
At one point “a part of his overcoat appears to get caught under what could potentially be a ballistic vest.”
The news outlet cited Jade Miller, an independent British hostile environment and high-risk security specialist who analysed video footage of Putin during the Victory Day parade and decided that he was wearing a bulletproof vest.
“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,” said Miller.
His upper body frame “looks unnatural and his shoulders appear rather wide & square, showing no shape of the back and shoulder blades”.
At one point “a part of his overcoat appears to get caught under what could potentially be a ballistic vest.”
Many of the attendees had dressed in extra gear because the day was unusually cold for the season.
But Putin “appears to lift and adjust his shoulders in a way that shows discomfort from how a ballistic vest is designed to sit on the shoulders or collarbone,” she concluded.
The weight of such body armour might cause discomfort and irritation if worn for an extended period.
The British expert concluded Putin kept his overcoat fastened up high and was “seen checking that it is closed, as though he is trying to ensure no one can see an undergarment.”
She concluded: “In my professional opinion, Putin is wearing some form of ballistic protection during his time attending the parade.”
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli