Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is known for maintaining one of the most impenetrable security systems in the world, ensuring protection around the clock — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. His security blanket becomes even more extensive when he travels abroad, with every movement monitored and controlled to eliminate even the smallest possible threat. Officials familiar with the protocols describe it as a security ring unmatched by any other head of state.
In an extraordinary measure that has drawn global attention, Putin’s security team collects and seals his stool and urine during foreign trips. Since 2017, specially assigned agents have been responsible for packing and transporting the biological samples back to Moscow to prevent access to his DNA or medical health information. Reports indicate that this protocol was followed strictly even during his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska. Putin’s personal guards accompany him everywhere — during meals, private conversations, bathroom visits, and sleep — leaving no room for exposure.
The elite force responsible for Putin’s protection is selected through a highly strict recruitment process. Applicants must meet physical standards including a height of 5.8 to 6.2 feet and a weight between 75 and 90 kilograms. Fluency in foreign languages and extensive military training are mandatory, and bodyguards are retired once they reach the age of 35 to maintain peak physical efficiency. Security personnel are trained to block anyone — even high-ranking world leaders — from getting within unsafe proximity of the Russian President.
Sources from international intelligence agencies claim that Putin also employs body doubles during high-risk situations or major public appearances. Ukrainian military intelligence chief Major General Kyrylo Budanov has alleged that at least three body doubles have undergone plastic surgery to resemble Putin and are trained to replicate his walk, gestures, and speech. For land travel, he uses the Russian-made bulletproof Aurus Senat limousine, transported by additional aircraft that accompany his presidential plane. The vehicle is engineered to withstand grenade explosions, high-intensity fires, and can continue to run at high speed even if all four tyres burst, reportedly reaching up to 249 km/h.
Putin’s food and accommodation arrangements during international visits are safeguarded with the same level of caution. A dedicated laboratory unit travels with him to test every ingredient for possible poisoning, and he neither stays in hotels nor eats at external locations. Instead, he resides on his aircraft and is served exclusively by Russian chefs and housekeeping staff. Security teams conduct high-tech reconnaissance of the host nation at least one month in advance. Putin travels on the customized Ilyushin IL-96-300PU — nicknamed the “Flying Kremlin” — a state-of-the-art aircraft equipped with a hospital, gym, bar, and advanced encrypted communication systems, capable of carrying 262 passengers and flying 11,000 km non-stop.