• The Kremlin has radically increased security around Vladimir Putin due to growing fears of assassination or a coup, according to a report from an unnamed European intelligence agency.
  • Former Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu is seen as a potentially destabilizing actor, as he still holds power in the military despite losing influence.
  • Tensions are rising among Russian security clans (siloviki), and Putin’s role as mediator has weakened.
  • Putin fears a drone assassination attempt from within, leading to a scaled-down Victory Day parade and tightened security in Moscow.
  • Economic problems and pressure from security forces on technocrats are exacerbating tensions among Russian elites.

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