Putin significantly bolsters security at his Valdai residence, OSINT analysis shows
Vladimir Putin (photo: Getty Images)
Another ring of air defense (AD) towers has been erected around the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, located in Valdai, according to OSINT analysis by analyst jembob.
After a detailed study of new satellite images, it was revealed that Pantsir or Tor surface-to-air missile systems have been deployed within a 50-kilometer radius of the residence.
Furthermore, it has become known that this new ring of AD systems effectively covers Putin’s backup airfield in Khotilovo and a secret biological laboratory on Lisichy Island.
According to the analyst's data, one of the towers in the "outer ring" was installed as early as March 2026 - specifically on the territory of the Khotilovo military base. It is well known that the head of the Kremlin uses this facility quite frequently.
Map of air defense systems around Putin’s residence in Valdai (Photo: jembobineuse)
Several more air defense positions within this ring have been established on the shores of the Vyshnevolotskoye Vodokhranilishche. On Fox Islands, located in the middle of the reservoir, Russian military forces have constructed a new laboratory complex, which is likely linked to Russia’s biological weapons program.
Map of air defense systems around Putin’s residence in Valdai (Photo: jembobineuse)
In January 2026, Russian military officials claimed that Ukraine had allegedly attempted to attack Putin’s residence in Valdai with drones. Kyiv rejected these accusations. The credibility of this version was questioned by both independent experts and the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
Map of air defense systems around Putin’s residence in Valdai (Photo: jembobineuse)
In addition to Putin himself, Alina Kabaeva, who is considered the mother of his two sons, spends a significant amount of time at the residence in Valdai. Notably, nannies from Western countries have been hired for the Russian president's children.
In total, more than 50 air defense positions have been identified around Valdai. This is approximately half the number of such facilities built in Moscow and the Moscow region following the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, over 20 million people live in the capital region, whereas fewer than 100,000 people reside in Valdai, the Valdai district, and within a 50-kilometer radius of these areas.
Anti-drone nets had been installed near the Russian president's residence.
RBC-Ukraine also wrote about how a Valdai conference session in Sochi involving Putin was canceled at the last minute due to a Ukrainian attack.
