Vladimir Putin has installed a ring of air defenses around his lake and forest palace northwest of Moscow, fearing more Ukrainian drone strikes.
Russian media have reported the deployment of Pantsir-S1 air defense systems to protect the 71-year-old leader’s luxurious Valdai residence.
The Valdai palace has been fortified with an array of air defense systems, including the Pantsir-S1 and the more comprehensive S-400, making the area more secure than many Russian cities. A Pantsir-S1 system was spotted on a tower in the forest on Ryabinovy Island near the residence, as revealed by satellite images taken on May 6 this year.
Putin’s paranoia extends to his other properties, with similar defenses at his Novo-Ogarevo residence near Moscow. He shares the Valdai retreat with his 41-year-old alleged “secret lover”, Alina Kabaeva, according to independent Russian media reports.
The Pantsir-S1 is a mobile air defence system designed to protect against a variety of aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, drones, and precision-guided munitions. It combines surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft artillery for both short- and medium-range defense.
The first known air defense system at Putin’s Valdai estate was noticed in January 2023 in the nearby village of Yashcherovo. Since then, an entire defensive ring has been established to guard against Ukrainian missiles or drones.
A section of Valdai National Park has been closed to visitors since Russian opposition media revealed that Putin and Kabaeva use the estate to hide their underage children.
Authorities have claimed the visitor restrictions are due to “worsening ecological conditions” on Lake Valdai. However, locals insist the lake remains pristine and believe the real reason is to protect Putin from prying eyes.
The estate is heavily guarded by federal security, and trespassers face severe penalties, including fines of up to £5,300 and two years of correctional labor.
Kabaeva, an Olympic gold-medal-winning rhythmic gymnast, owns a large wooden home on the grounds, separate from the main “golden” mansion.
Independent media reports claim she gave birth to one of Putin’s children in 2015 in Switzerland and another four years later in Moscow, with rumors suggesting they have a larger family together.
The Valdai estate features luxurious amenities, including a spa complex, a solarium, a cryo chamber, a 25-meter swimming pool, a hammam, a sauna, massage baths, and a children’s playground.
The constant presence of children at the residence has been noted, with a karting track set up during the summers of 2020 and 2021 and a large playground erected between 2016 and 2020.
