During this year’s Moscow Victory Day parade, an official observed that Putin, who won his fifth term as Russia’s president in March, was clearly wearing concealed body armor. The chief’s movements appeared rigid in the live broadcast as he greeted generals and adjusted his clothing around his right shoulder several times. Security consultant Jade Miller shared that Putin’s upper body frame looked unnatural and square, suggesting the presence of ballistic protection. Putin began wearing a bulletproof vest in 2023 following recommendations from his security team, the Presidential Security Service.
Concerns about Putin’s safety are not new, with reports emerging about his fears of assassination. In a recent interview, Putin’s former security officer, Vitaly Brizhaty, shared alarming details about the Russian leader’s cautious behavior. Brizhaty revealed that Putin hired armed divers to search for potential assassins along his private beach and didn’t allow anyone other than one bodyguard to operate his washing machine. According to Brizhaty, Putin even misled his security service about his whereabouts, highlighting his deep fears about his safety.
Despite the precautions taken by Putin and his security team, questions remain about his trust in those protecting him. The appearance of concealed body armor during public events like the Moscow Victory Day parade affirms concerns about potential threats against the Russian leader. As details emerge about Putin’s security measures and personal habits, the delicate balance between a leader’s safety and transparency continues to be a source of speculation and scrutiny around the world.