Kathrine Frich
He was allegedly working on upgrades to the lighting system at the luxury compound.
He was allegedly working on upgrades to the lighting system at the luxury compound.
Mikhail Mukhin, a 34-year-old electrician linked to Vladimir Putin’s secretive Valdai palace, is in a coma following a powerful explosion at his Moscow flat.
The incident has triggered speculation of a possible assassination attempt, especially given Mukhin’s ties to one of the most mysterious residences in Russia.
Classified Details Surround the Blast
Though initially reported as a gas explosion, eyewitnesses described a “smell of gunpowder,” and sources close to the case say all investigative materials were immediately classified.
Doctors were allegedly barred from discussing Mukhin’s condition, even with his family.
Multiple Casualties Reported
The explosion claimed three lives, including 38-year-old kindergarten teacher Natalya Leonova, her 19-year-old son, and her mother.
Thirteen others were injured, and harrowing footage captured desperate cries for help from neighbours trapped in burning flats.
Mukhin’s Mysterious Assignment
Mukhin had reportedly told friends he was scheduled to return to Putin’s Valdai residence on Wednesday, just days after the explosion.
He was allegedly working on upgrades to the lighting system at the luxury compound.
Injuries Suggest Something More Sinister
Mukhin was burned severely, with his ex-partner confirming he’s in a coma.
His hair was scorched, yet his lungs were unaffected, raising questions about the blast’s nature.
He was first taken to the Sklifosovsky Institute before being transferred to a burn centre.
Did the Explosion Target Mukhin?
Russian Telegram channel VChK-OGPU, known for insider leaks, hinted the explosion might have been a targeted act.
It said the epicentre was Mukhin’s one-room apartment, not the adjacent flat where the fatalities occurred.
Who Is Mikhail Mukhin?
Mukhin wasn’t just any electrician. According to reports, he was a trusted technician with access to one of Putin’s most guarded residences.
His role at the Valdai palace placed him in a sensitive position, potentially privy to inner workings many are not meant to see.
Inside Putin’s Secret Valdai Palace
Located about 230 miles northwest of Moscow, the Valdai retreat is reportedly where Putin lives with his alleged partner, Olympic gymnast Alina Kabaeva, and their two sons.
The Russian president has never publicly acknowledged the relationship or the children.
Putin’s Public Distraction Strategy?
Just days before the explosion, Putin showcased a modest Kremlin apartment on Russian TV, possibly to divert attention from the existence of his hidden palatial properties, including the controversial Valdai estate.
Victims With Military Connections
Leonova’s partner, said to be a soldier fighting in Putin’s war in Ukraine, was away at the time of the blast.
This link has led to further speculation that the attack might have had deeper political or military implications.
State Media Blames Gas Explosion
Russian media have stuck with the gas explosion theory, despite mounting evidence that suggests otherwise.
Reports omitted Mukhin’s name, and few official statements have been released, raising concerns about a deliberate cover-up.
Tight-Lipped Officials and Restricted Access
All investigation files are under lock and key. Even the medical team attending to Mukhin are reportedly under orders not to speak.
No government agency has publicly commented on the possibility of foul play.
Palace Staffer or Political Pawn?
Mukhin’s privileged access to Putin’s personal life may have made him a liability.
As speculation swirls, some insiders suggest he may have known too much, or been in the wrong place at the wrong time.