Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly demolished his residence near Sochi, the city near the Black Sea, due to increasing concerns over Ukrainian drone attacks in the area, according to satellite imagery published by the Russian opposition website Proekt.
According to Proekt, Putin "has stopped flying to Sochi out of fear for his own life."The images, dated May 2023 and May 2024, show the site of Putin's dacha, Bocharov Ruchey, which has been demolished.
The dacha, considered one of Putin's favorite retreats, was a frequent destination for the Russian leader. Kremlin data indicated he spent up to 37 days a year at the property, hosting foreign dignitaries and celebrating personal occasions with his reported partner, Alina Kabaeva, and their children.
However, the escalating frequency of Ukrainian drone strikes in the Sochi Oblast over the past year appears to have altered Putin's habits.
A source described as "being familiar with Putin" told Proekt, "Putin last flew to Sochi seven months ago. He even broke a long-standing tradition of coming to Sochi to celebrate Alina's birthday in May."
The demolition of Bocharov Ruchey marks a significant change in Putin's routine. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he reportedly isolated himself at the dacha.
The Kremlin has not commented on the reports.
This development comes in the context of Putin's reported "paranoia about assassination attempts" since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He has allegedly reduced his travel commitments and prefers armoured train transport when possible.
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