Paranoid Putin Increases Personal Security to 800 Officers

Thursday, July 02, 2026

Vladimir Putin has increased the number of officers responsible for his personal protection to more than 800.

The Russian president, who has reportedly become more paranoid over his safety in recent months, ordered the increase at the central apparatus of the Federal Protective Service (FSO), according to a draft decree set to take effect on Wednesday.

Posted by Corky at 04:24 PM | 5 COMMENTS | permalink | Comment on This Entry |

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"Staff working in Putin's immediate vicinity have reportedly been banned from using mobile phones or other internet-connected devices or using public transport. They have also had security systems installed inside their homes.

Even wristwatches have reportedly entered the blacklist, with officials ordered to take them off in Putin's presence since around mid-April, according to a source speaking to the Telegram channel Mozhem Obyasnit.

FSO service has proved a springboard to the Kremlin elite. It serves as a trusted pool of loyalists for roles in regional governance and other senior positions."

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So... no Trump watches for the Putin Protection Team?

#1 | Posted by Corky at 2026-07-02 04:27 PM | Reply

In Ancient Rome the elite Praetorian Guard, created by Augustus, provided the emperor with personal security. That said, it also proved "responsible for the overthrow, abandonment, or murder of 15 out of the first 48 emperors who governed Rome between 27 bc and ad 305" (warfarehistorynetwork.com).

#2 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2026-07-02 04:52 PM | Reply

I like the optimism!

Russians should be so lucky.

#3 | Posted by Corky at 2026-07-02 05:01 PM | Reply

You squeeze out some optimism where you can find it, Corky!

#4 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2026-07-02 05:08 PM | Reply

Sometimes "less is more." The larger the security detail, the more opportunity for an insider threat.

In North Korea, loyal bodyguard labeled by KCIA as "Grandpa" has been a family fixture for decades.

#5 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-07-02 05:22 PM | Reply