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World
European intelligence reports a major security buildup around Vladimir Putin, fueled by fears of assassination and internal unrest within Russia's elite.
Security measures around Russian President Vladimir Putin have been dramatically intensified, according to a European intelligence report, following a wave of attacks and assassinations targeting Russian military figures in recent months. The Kremlin has expanded surveillance within Putin’s inner circle and significantly bolstered his personal protection details, reflecting deep-seated concerns that go beyond external threats.
The report indicates that fears are not limited to foreign attacks but also encompass the potential for sensitive information leaks or destabilizing moves from within state institutions and security agencies. This heightened alert comes as Russia faces mounting pressure from regional developments, including the US conflict with Iran and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Coinciding with the security clampdown, there have been notable changes in Putin’s public movements. His appearances at military sites and sensitive facilities have declined compared to previous years, with a growing reliance on closed-door meetings and pre-recorded video addresses. The powers of Russia’s Federal Protective Service have been expanded, and additional restrictions have been imposed on personnel working within the presidential administration, including tighter controls on communications and travel.
Over the past months, Russia has provided intelligence and technical support to Iran without engaging in direct military confrontation. Moscow has also emerged as a potential participant in any future arrangements concerning Iran’s nuclear program, including proposals related to the transfer or hosting of Iranian enriched uranium under possible international agreements. This deepening involvement has sparked questions within political circles about Moscow’s capacity to maintain its current level of engagement with Tehran, and how any internal shifts in Russia could affect the burgeoning alliance between the two nations.
Dr. Mohannad Radwan, an international relations expert, told *Erem News* that the stability of the Russian regime is the cornerstone of the current geopolitical balance, particularly given the growing partnership between Moscow and Tehran. He suggested that any sudden absence of Putin—whether through death or an internal coup—would create a strategic vacuum, with direct repercussions for the Iranian file. “Any disruption at the top of Russian power could push the relationship between Moscow and Tehran into a state of paralysis,” Radwan explained. He added that a new regime or transitional council in Russia would be preoccupied with internal consolidation, leading to a decline in focus on foreign affairs, including support for Iran.
Radwan further noted that Russian military support for Iran would be significantly impacted, especially concerning deals for advanced fighter jets and air defense systems like the S-400. “Any instability in Moscow could freeze these deals and weaken Iran’s defensive position,” he said. He also warned that Iran might lose the international cover provided by Russia at the UN Security Council, potentially leaving Tehran more isolated or forcing it to accept major political compromises.
Offering a different perspective, Rami Al-Qulaybi, a professor at the School of Oriental Studies at the Higher School of Economics in Moscow, argued that the security concerns surrounding Putin are based on Western leaks that have not been confirmed by any neutral sources. He described the circulating narratives as little more than rumors and speculation. “The internal situation in Russia is not directly linked to the issue of Russian support for Iran,” Al-Qulaybi told *Erem News*. He noted that Russia’s domestic front remains relatively stable, despite some decline in trust levels and rising prices amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Al-Qulaybi emphasized that Moscow’s stance on the Iranian file is a separate matter. He stated that Russia provides political and diplomatic support to Tehran but does not offer direct military backing. “The Russian-Iranian agreement does not include clauses for joint defense,” he clarified, stressing that the relationship is a partnership, not a military alliance. He concluded that there is no direct connection between internal developments in Russia and the nature of Moscow’s supportive stance toward Iran.
