A paranoid Vladimir Putin is now said to be using bulletproof vests for many of his public appearances amid fears hecould face an assassination bid linked to his war in Ukraine or from Islamic terrorists.
Two Russian officials plus a source close to the Kremlin told The Moscow Times that the country's special services 'have ramped up the already strict security measures surrounding President Vladimir Putin to an unprecedented degree'.
The Kremlin is on 'heightened alert over its invasion of Ukraine - but is also said to be 'rattled' by recent attacks on high-ranking politicians in Europe and Asia.
A Russian source told the news outlet: 'The Kremlin takes Vladimir Putin's security very seriously. He is protected by a whole army of visible and invisible guards.'
The report claimed that the 71-year-old has been wearing body armour at outdoor events 'since at least 2023'.
Putin is seen fiddling with his jacket and moving uncomfortably amid May 9 celebrations on Red Square alongside ex-defence minister Sergei Shoigu
Putin is seen wearing an oversized, buttoned up jacket that could be concealing body armour. A member of his security team is seen clutching a briefcase believed to be armour - or the nuclear football
A Russian source told the Moscow Times: 'The Kremlin takes Vladimir Putin's security very seriously. He is protected by a whole army of visible and invisible guards'
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during a concert marking the anniversary of Russia's annexation of Crimea at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. He is said to have been wearing body armour at public events on a regular basis
The report went on: 'He has been doing so on the strong recommendation of the Presidential Security Service (SBP), a unit within the Federal Guard Service (FSO) that protects the president.'
Sources confirmed he wore the body armour beneath his jacket during a major appearance on May 9 on Red Square when he presided over the annual Victory Day military parade commemorating the Soviet victory over the Nazis in World War II, stated the report.
This is an event when his security is highly visible, and snipers are present on rooftops around the square.
Footage of him walking with ex-defence minister Sergei Shoigu appeared to show how he was made uncomfortable by the alleged body armour.
'This year on May 9, the chief [Putin] was clearly wearing concealed body armour during the parade. And that precaution, I think, is necessary,' said one official.
'God protects the cautious,' said a second.
The news outlet quoted Jade Miller, described as an independent British hostile environment and high-risk security consultant, who examined in detail footage of Putin at the Victory day parade andconcluded that he was indeed wearing a bulletproof vest.
'Putin appears to be walking in a rather rigid manner and there are no natural creases appearing at the back of his overcoat when walking and shaking military personnel hands,' said Miller.
His upper body frame 'looks unnatural and his shoulders appear rather wide & square, showing no shape of the back and shoulder blades'.
At one point 'a part of his overcoat appears to get caught under what could potentially be a ballistic vest'.
The day was unusually cold for the time of year, and many attendees had donned extra clothing.
But Putin 'appears to lift and adjust his shoulders in a way that shows discomfort from how a ballistic vest is designed to sit on the shoulders or collarbone,' she concluded.
Paranoid Putin is wearing bulletproof vests regularly for public appearances as the Kremlin beefs up his security, according to a report in the Moscow Times
FILE PHOTO: Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during a concert marking the eighth anniversary of Russia's annexation of Crimea at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia March 18, 2022
Security expert Andrei Soldatov, senior fellow with the Centre for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) and co-founder of Russian secret service watchdog Agentura.ru, said: 'Putin is a rather unique leader in that he usually agrees to increased security/expansion of the security perimeter when his guards ask for it'
The weight of such body armour may cause discomfort and irritation when worn for a prolonged time.
The British expert concluded Putin kept his overcoat fastened up high and was 'seen checking that it is closed, as though he is trying to ensure no one can see an undergarment'.
She concluded: 'In my professional opinion, Putin is wearing some form of ballistic protection during his time attending the parade'.
Multiple security operatives were visible on May 9, especially when Putin presided over the laying of wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in nearby Alexander Garden, under the Kremlin Wall.
Some carried portable body armour designed as briefcases, while officers also likely held his nuclear briefcase containing the launch codes to Russia's fearsome atomic arsenal.
The news outlet quoted security expert Andrei Soldatov, senior fellow with the Centre for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) and co-founder of Russian secret service watchdog Agentura.ru, saying: 'Putin is a rather unique leader in that he usually agrees to increased security/expansion of the security perimeter when his guards ask for it.
'Usually, other leaders tend to be in constant conflict with their guards, but not Putin.
'He almost always goes along with their demands. And right now, I think he's going along with them.'
