Inside Putin's world of body doubles and armoured trains amid war
Reports suggest Putin has spent recent months isolated in bunkers, relying on body doubles and security measures that signal deepening paranoia.
Vladimir Putin's favoured dacha near Valdai was once his preferred retreat, but Ukrainian drone range has made it too risky. American political scientist Jason Smart says Putin has spent most of the past 10 months in a bunker instead.
Russia experts describe discretion as one of his main security measures, including a special armoured train disguised as an ordinary one. Speculation swirls about his health and reported use of body doubles.
- Past 10 months
- Months in bunker
- About 20
- Properties across Russia
- Around 14,000
- Valdai population
- Between Moscow and Saint Petersburg
- Dacha location
Why it mattersPutin's isolation from advisers and reality may affect the course of the war and his decision-making; understanding his mindset helps predict his next moves.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect, but Australia is aligned with Ukraine and closely watching Putin's stability and military calculations.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 5 d ago
