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.