As fears of an assassination attempt continue to mount, Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed special agents to disable internet coverage in St. Petersburg during a recent speech, according to RadarOnline.com.
In light of heightened security concerns due to Russia's continuing conflict with Ukraine, the move was seen as a measure to safeguard the 70-year-old leader. Reports suggest that as Putin was delivering his speech on Friday, security forces scrambled to cut off internet access in the city.
The directive to disable the internet was given by Russia's Ministry of Communications to all mobile operators in St. Petersburg shortly before Putin's arrival, as reported by the Daily Mail.
The unexpected decision was purportedly aimed at thwarting potential drone attacks during Putin's appearance at the annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The internet blackout was considered necessary to disrupt drone communication systems, thus reducing potential risks at the forum venue.
Amid the heightened security measures, sniffer dogs were reportedly deployed at the event site in St. Petersburg this week.
In a statement to the press, Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin's spokesperson, revealed that Putin was set to deliver an extended speech, which would be followed by an in-depth economic discussion at the forum. This news further exacerbated the apprehension among Putin's inner circle.
Peskov quoted, “We can expect a very voluminous speech from the head of state,” adding that, “Indeed, a rather long speech was prepared.”
As previously reported by RadarOnline.com, fears of an assassination attempt on Putin have escalated recently, given the ongoing violent conflict in Ukraine.
Anders Aslund, a Swedish economist with past advisory roles to the Russian and Ukrainian governments, recently commented that Putin is perpetually “frightened” of potential assassination threats and has subsequently limited his public appearances.
He revealed, “Putin doesn't dare go out in public,” adding, “Whenever he appears, there are suspicions that he is a double.”
According to Aslund, Putin's apparent fearfulness is reflected in his extensive security measures. “He has built bunkers at his three main residences. He travels the country by armored train. And at each of his three main residences, he has built special stations for his personal security.”
The intensity of Putin's fears reportedly surged following accusations of a kamikaze drone strike on the Kremlin by Ukraine last month. Despite Ukraine's denial, Kremlin officials dubbed the attack a “planned terrorist attack” and an “assassination attempt on the president of Russia” by Ukrainian forces.