Paranoid Putin 'strengthens security at the Kremlin over fears of sabotage attack' following Ukraine's shock incursion success
- The Kremlin is seen as deeply worried by Ukraine's unexpected push into Kursk
A paranoid Vladimir Putin is boosting already tight security at the Kremlin amid fears of Ukrainian sabotage attacks as Kyiv's forces continue their offensive on Russian soil.
The Putin regime is seen as deeply worried by Ukraine's unexpected push into the Kursk region where Zelensky's men now control dozens of Russian settlements and are conducting extensive artillery and drone attacks on the Belgorod region.
The strengthening of security measures at the Kremlin was reported by BAZA news outlet which has links to law enforcement.
Moscow is 'constantly monitoring threats, including possible penetrations of sabotage groups', said the outlet.
'Security of the territory in the centre [of Moscow] and around the Kremlin has been strengthened.'
It comes amid fresh speculation that the dictator will soon seek a new round of mobilisation despite its expected unpopularity with his people.
Putin is said to be increasing security at the Kremlin following Ukraine's offensive in Kursk (May 2023 drone attack on the Kremlin is seen in this still image)
Russian President Vladimir Putin leads the meeting with top security and defence officials dedicated to the situation in Kursk and Belgorod border regions, at Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside of Moscow, Russia, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024
Belarusian military equipment is being moved to reinforce Russian lines amid the Kursk crisis
War 'refuseniks' are being forcibly sent from the Leningrad region to Kursk in an attempt to hold the Ukrainian offensive at bay
Russian mobilised troops are seen shipping off to the front
The Kremlin was attacked by a kamikaze drone in May 2023 in what Putin's officials said was an assassination bid on the autocrat.
Another strike is feared on Russia's seat of power.
Now 'special regiment employees with machine guns are on duty together with traffic police crews', said the BAZA Telegram channel.
Reservists stand ready for a rapid response.
Putin, 71, is already reported to have tightened security at his multiple palaces where he lives a life of luxury with his undeclared partner Alina Kabaeva, 41, a former Olympic rhythmic gymnast, and their children.
Meanwhile, several sources indicate the Kremlin is considering a new wave of Russian mobilisation, something that had been ruled out until now.
It could happen 'by the end of the year', one source said, a move would show desperation on Putin's part.
Earlier his spokesman had said holding new mobilisation - widely seen as wildly unpopular - 'is not even being discussed'.
But increasingly desperate ploys are already being adopted to force men into the war.
Several hundred war refuseniks from the Leningrad region, near St. Petersburg, were forcibly put on a plane and taken to Kursk, according to reports.
One soldier attempted suicide rather than be sent, but others - all conscientious objectors to Putin's war - were dragged to Kursk region for deployment.
'The soldiers have already been given machine guns and are going to be sent into battle,' it was reported.
Other accounts say conscripts are being sent to defend the Kursk region, in defiance of an earlier promise by Putin not to deploy draftees to hot zones.
Belarus military equipment moves to Russia amid the Kursk crisis
Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L) chairs a meeting regarding the situation in the Kursk region, in his residence in Novo-Ogaryovo outside Moscow, on August 12, 2024
Reports indicate Vladimir Putin may be forced to introduce a new mobilisation drive later this year after the Ukrainian incursion into Russia's Kursk region
A still image taken from a handout video provided by the Russian Defence Ministry shows the BM-21 'Grad', a self-propelled 122 mm multiple rocket launcher, firing near the line of combat close to Soledar, Donetsk Region, Ukraine, 13 August 2024
Moscow is sending an additional 23,000 to war zones after the Moscow mayor ordered a one-time £16,000 payment to those signing army contracts, far more than those currently on the frontline.
This has led to a threefold rise in men ready to enlist, say reports.
Russia is also moving troops guarding key locations - such as Kaliningrad on the Baltic and annexed Crimea on the Black Sea - to the Kursk zone.
Another sign of Kremlin fear is evidence that autocratic neighbour Belarus has transferred military equipment to Russia following an urgent Kremlin request.
Footage shows a train carrying tanks and other armoured vehicles to Russia.
Training of Belarus troops in Russia is evidently underway, too.
However, Belarus forces have never been involved in the war against Ukraine, and there is no sign that this will change, despite Putin's deist that should.
Belarusian outlet Belnovosti said ruler Alexander Lukashenko had ordered the transfer of some Belarusian military equipment to the Russian Armed Forces for reinforcement in the Kursk region and other sectors of the front.
There was 'an urgent request from the Russian side' due to losses and a lack of equipment in the Kursk region and other areas, it was reported.
