Paranoid Putin ramps up air defence around forest palace he shares with gymnast lover as long-range Ukrainian strikes continue
Russia has expanded air defences around Vladimir Putin’s Valdai residence as Ukrainian long-range attacks inside Russia continue. The reported build-up highlights how the war is prompting greater protection for the president’s private compound, although Ukraine says it does not intend to target the residence.
An investigation counted more than 50 air-defence positions around the site, including 15 newly identified towers about 31 miles away and one launcher roughly 400 metres from the palace. The systems include Pantsir, Tor and S-400, and the article estimates the total cost of weapons, crews and equipment could approach £1 billion. Anti-drone nets have also appeared over nearby lorry parking areas, following Ukraine’s use of drones launched from trucks in an operation against Russian airfields.
In short
- More than 50 air-defence positions reportedly surround Putin’s Valdai residence.
- New towers and anti-drone nets have appeared in the area.
- Ukraine denies intending to strike the residence.
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The case for
Supporters of the expanded defences could argue that Russia has a duty to protect its head of state and secure a residence against the growing reach of Ukrainian drone and missile attacks. The measures may also be seen as a precaution to protect nearby residents and infrastructure, especially after drones have been launched from within Russia.
The case against
Critics could argue that devoting extensive air-defence resources to a private presidential compound, at an estimated cost approaching £1 billion, is difficult to justify while the war places wider demands on public funds and security. They may also question the scale of the build-up given Ukraine’s stated position that it does not intend to target the residence, and see it as evidence that the war is bringing its risks closer to Russia’s leadership.
Explained simply
Vladimir Putin is Russia’s president, and Valdai is a wooded area between Moscow and St Petersburg where he has a residence. The compound is reported to be a private retreat rather than an official government office.
Russia’s war against Ukraine has included attacks far from the front line, using long-range drones and missiles. Ukraine has said it does not intend to target Putin’s Valdai residence, but the spread of such attacks has led Russia to protect sites it considers important.
Air defences are weapons and equipment intended to detect and intercept aircraft, missiles or drones. The reported installations around Valdai show how the war is affecting security around the president’s private property as well as military sites.