Lauge Risom Koch 
Putin’s residence near Lake Valdai has reportedly been blurred on Russian map services as security measures surrounding the Kremlin leader continue to intensify.
Russia’s Victory Day celebrations this year looked markedly different, with reduced military displays and heightened security across Moscow.
At the same time, reports suggest Vladimir Putin has become increasingly isolated as concerns over safety continue to grow.
Blurred from maps
According to Bild, parts of Putin’s luxury residence near Lake Valdai have been obscured on Yandex Maps, Russia’s equivalent of Google Maps.
While the estate and nearby helicopter landing pads remain visible on Google Maps, the Russian mapping service reportedly displays the area in heavily blurred form.
The move has fueled speculation over growing efforts to conceal locations connected to the Russian president.
Expanded security
A European intelligence report cited by CNN said the Kremlin has intensified protection measures regarding Putin and his inner circle.
According to the report, cooks, photographers and bodyguards linked to the president are no longer permitted to use public transport.
Close aides are also reportedly restricted to using phones without internet access.
Bild further reported claims that some officials have been discouraged from wearing wristwatches during meetings with Putin, with several appearing bare-wristed in recent Kremlin footage.
Click to display external content from twitter,
– You can always enable and disable third-party content.
You agree to display external third-party content. Personal data may be sent to the provider of the content and other third-party services.
Life underground
Reports cited by The Financial Times suggest Putin has sharply reduced his public movements and is spending more time in underground facilities.
Intelligence sources reportedly claim the Russian leader and his family are no longer staying at their regular residences near Moscow.
The report also stated that Putin has not visited military barracks or bases this year, while the Kremlin increasingly relies on pre-recorded footage for public appearances.
According to The Financial Times, the Russian president continues to oversee the war in Ukraine in close detail.
Parade scaled back
Security concerns were also visible during Moscow’s Victory Day parade.
The event reportedly lasted only 45 minutes and featured far fewer tanks, rocket launchers and heavy military vehicles than in previous years.
Large parts of central Moscow were sealed off during the celebrations, while mobile internet access across the city was temporarily shut down.
The restrictions have added to perceptions that security fears are increasingly shaping Kremlin operations.
Sources: Bild, CNN, The Financial Times
