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Surrounding Putin's Valdai residence, several dozen air defense systems, reported media sources

Enhanced Security Measures at Vladimir Putin's Residence in Valday: The number of anti-aircraft defense positions has more than quadrupled, with most being equipped with the Pantsir-S1 system. In contrast, just two such positions were present in the period from 2023-2024.

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Surrounding Putin's Valdai residence, multiple air defense systems reported in the media
Surrounding Putin's Valdai residence, multiple air defense systems reported in the media

Surrounding Putin's Valdai residence, several dozen air defense systems, reported media sources

A significant increase in air defense systems around Russian President Vladimir Putin's residence in Valdai has been observed over the past year and a half. This enhancement in security measures is likely a response to concerns about drone attacks and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Timeline of Events

  • January 2023: The first Pantsir-S1 surface-to-air missile system was spotted near Putin's residence [1][4].
  • July 2024: A second Pantsir-S1 system was reported [1][4].
  • By August 2024 to August 2025: The number of air defense systems grew to at least 12, primarily Pantsir-S1 systems [1][2][3][4].

Sources of Information

  • Radio Liberty: Initial reports about the increase in air defense systems were made using satellite images and local reports [1][4].
  • UNN (Ukrainian National News): Confirmed the growth in air defense systems through satellite images and Yandex.Maps data [2].
  • Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL): Published interactive maps showing the locations of air defense units [4].

Recent Developments

  • Expanded Air Defense: The Valdai residence now boasts 12 air defense systems, marking a sixfold increase from the initial two systems [1][2].
  • Enhanced Security: These systems are predominantly Pantsir-S1 complexes, with some mounted on elevated towers. The scale of the deployment is noteworthy, with only five fewer air defense systems than in the entire Moscow region [1][3][5].
  • Alina Kabaeva's Residence: The heightened security also protects the nearby residence of Alina Kabaeva, rumoured to be Putin's partner and mother of his children [1][5].

Context

The heightened security measures come amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and frequent incursions by Ukrainian drones into Russian airspace [3][5]. The Valdai residence's security is unusually robust compared to other strategic locations in Russia, suggesting a high level of concern for the safety of those living there [2][5].

  • Alina Kabaeva, who is rumoured to be Putin's partner, and their children often spend time in Valdai.
  • The source of this information about the new air defense system is Russian media.
  • The location of the new air defense system on Ryabinovyi Island is 3.7 kilometres from Putin's Valdai "dacha".
  • The information about the air defense positions is based on satellite imagery from Yandex.
  • In Moscow and its surrounding area, with a population of over 20 million, there are 60 air defense positions.
  • Photos supporting the information come from the Yandex.Mirror service.
  • In January 2023, Russian media published additional photos of a "Pantsir" air defense system reportedly installed near Putin's Valdai residence in Yascherovo village.
  • The majority of the air defense positions around Putin's residence are "Pantsir-S1" systems.
  • Kabaeva's assistants are said to have apartments near Putin's residence.
  • In 2023, it was reported that a new house was built for Kabaeva and the children in Valdai.

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