‘Paranoid’ Putin just got himself a new palace with bunker and ‘lockdown zone’ | World | News
Vladimir Putin is shutting down a large part of the Russian resort city of Sochi as part of plans to secure a newly built seaside palace amid growing fears for his personal safety. The accused war criminal is rebuilding the historic Bocharov Ruchey residence, a former Soviet bunker on the Black Sea, after reports that Ukraine has become reluctant to use the original property in the wake of drone strikes.
The complex was reportedly bulldozed and rebuilt following claims that the previous residence was no longer deemed safe enough or large enough for the Kremlin leader. New underground bunkers are currently being installed beneath the facility as part of a major security overhaul, according to independent Russian broadcaster Proekt. A source told independent media outlet Proekt: “An acquaintance of Putin confirmed to Proekt that the president was actually afraid of flying south.”
Leaked security plans suggest the rebuilt campus will be surrounded by a 1.2-square-mile “isolation zone” in parts of Sochi.
The measures reported by investigative agency Agentsvo include sweeping restrictions imposed by Russia’s Federal Protection Service (FSO), the elite unit responsible for protecting the president.
The rules will ban drones, shooting clubs, paintball fields and any activity involving replica weapons near the palace grounds.
Other restrictions include bans on helicopter landing pads, vehicle repair shops, livestock, waste dumps and large banners.
Controls will also extend to surrounding coastal waters, and fishing boats and recreational boats are expected to be banned near residences.
Observers say the size of the security perimeter is unprecedented and that no Soviet or Russian leader is believed to have taken such far-reaching measures regarding personal residences before.
Putin is believed to be spending time at various residences with his widely reported partner, former Olympic gymnast Alina Kabaeva, 42, and her two young sons.
The Sochi complex is separate from another controversial residence linked to the Russian leader: a massive £1 billion cliff-top palace near Gelendzhik on the Black Sea that has often been compared to the lair of James Bond’s villain.
Putin’s properties are known for their lavish facilities, which reportedly include luxury spas, medical centers, multiple underground floors and fortified bunkers, as well as protection against some of Russia’s most advanced air defense systems.
Bocharov Ruchey’s residence is also of historical importance. In 2013, he hosted the then British Prime Minister David Cameron for his meetings with Putin.
The roots of the original complex date back to the Soviet period. It was built by Joseph Stalin, who died before he could use it, and the project was later completed under the management of his successor, Nikita Khrushchev.
