Vladimir Putin is purging political rivals and avoiding trips to regions within reach of Ukrainian drone strikes as public anger over the war escalates. The Russian president has reportedly begun dodging visits to areas vulnerable to Kyiv's killer drones, tightening his grip on power amid economic chaos, fuel shortages, and deep strikes hitting the country's heartland.
Security measures and public discontent
During a recent visit to Kazan, whole streets were locked down, e-scooters were banned, and the internet was blacked out to protect the president. In another stop in Siberia, fuel-starved locals were treated to cheap petrol just for his visit, only for prices to double once his plane took off.
At home, the Kremlin is cracking down on anyone daring to speak out. At least 23 politicians have been barred from upcoming parliamentary elections, with many jailed for allegedly displaying "extremist" symbols, including references to murdered opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
Opposition figures flee or face bans
Even long-standing "systemic opposition" figures are fleeing. Boris Nadezhdin, a veteran politician long tolerated by the regime, has fled Russia after facing threats to his safety. Yabloko, the sole party openly campaigning against the war, is now facing a total ban as the Kremlin scrambles to stop voters using the ballot box to register their fury.
Dr Nigel Gould-Davies, a senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said: "Now, in the fifth year of war, there's no sense coming from the Kremlin that they are relaxed or confident in their control of public opinion. The fear of some challenge from below is deep enough that there is a kind of security-minded reflex twitching ever more forcefully."
Propaganda and crackdown
Despite public rage, Kremlin loyalists have intensified their praise. State Duma chairman Vyacheslav Volodin led deputies in chanting "Russia! Putin! Victory!" five times, earning a medal for "valiant labour" from the dictator. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov went further, claiming on state TV that Putin's rise to power proved Russia was "marked by God".
Behind the propaganda, insiders say a terrified Putin is handing unprecedented power to the FSB security service to silence critics. The regime's paranoia comes as Ukraine brings the war directly to Moscow's doorstep.
Attacks inside Russia
A mysterious restaurant bombing on Kudrinskaya Square recently targeted top commander Aleksandr Chayko, leaving five dead, while a car bomb critically injured a leading Russian drone mogul. Ukrainian strikes have also pounded mega-retailer Wildberries, wiping out a quarter of its warehouse space and causing billions in damage.
With Putin's approval ratings plummeting and criticism spreading, the rattled tyrant is running out of places to hide.
