How Vladimir Putin Survived 43 Assassination Attempts

Summary

Being the president of Russia, Vladimir Putin has faced 43 assassination attempts, highlighting the extreme measures taken for his protection. Putin's security detail, including the Federal Protective Service (FSO) and his private army, the National Guard, employs extensive strategies to ensure his safety. The FSO's elite units, bodyguards, snipers, and meticulous planning play crucial roles, along with high-tech equipment like his fortified Aurus Senat limousine. This multi-layered defense system showcases the lengths to which Putin goes to maintain his safety and authority.

Takeaways

• 🔒 Vladimir Putin has survived 43 assassination attempts throughout his life, highlighting the importance and efficiency of his security detail.
• 🛡️ Putin is one of the most heavily guarded leaders globally, with his security team's professionalism and readiness playing a crucial role in his survival.
• 🚗 Early assassination attempts against Putin include a foiled car bombing plot by the Russian mafia and a plan to target him in Uzbekistan during a visit in 1999.
• 💣 In 2000, Chechen rebels attempted to assassinate Putin using a remote-controlled bomb during his visit to the Russian province of Chechnya.
• 🧪 Various assassination methods have been employed, such as poisoned food, sniper attacks, and explosives, all thwarted by the Federal Protective Service (FSO).
• 👮 The Federal Protective Service (FSO) is a powerful agency, rooted in the KGB's history, tasked with protecting Russian officials and maintaining national security.
• 💼 Putin's personal security includes a specialized agency known as the President's Security Service (SBP), which comprises multiple elite units focused on his protection.
• 🏰 Putin has established the National Guard, a force of over 340,000 troops, to deter military coups and maintain his grip on power.
• 🕵️ Putin's personal bodyguards, known as 'The Musketeers,' are extensively trained in combat and psychological profiling to detect potential threats.
• 🚙 The presidential motorcade, especially the Russian-made Aurus Senat limousine, is a highly fortified mobile command center designed to withstand various forms of attack.

Q & A

How many assassination attempts has Vladimir Putin survived according to the script?

Vladimir Putin has survived 43 assassination attempts according to the script.

What is the role of the Federal Protective Service (FSO) in Russia?

The Federal Protective Service (FSO) is responsible for protecting high-ranking government officials, securing essential government facilities, and safeguarding classified information. It also has significant control over the distribution of the Russian budget.

Who is the head of the Federal Protective Service (FSO) and what is notable about his personal wealth?

The head of the FSO is Victor Zolotov, who, unlike other close friends of Vladimir Putin, is not a billionaire but has a significant personal wealth of 40 million dollars.

What is the National Guard in Russia and who established it?

The National Guard in Russia is a formidable force established by President Vladimir Putin in 2016, counting more than 340,000 troops who answer directly to him.

What is the primary task of the National Guard in relation to President Putin's security?

The primary task of the National Guard is not to prevent assassination attempts or save the president's life directly, but to deter any high officials from thinking they can gain an upper hand with military support.

What is the role of the President's Security Service (SBP) within the FSO?

The President's Security Service (SBP) is a specialized agency within the FSO tasked with securing the president's life, comprising four distinct special units and bolstered by approximately 2500 additional personnel.

What are the physical requirements for becoming a member of Putin's personal bodyguards?

Members of Putin's personal bodyguards, known as The Musketeers, must be between 19 and 35 years old, stand between 5.7 and 6.2 feet tall, and maintain a visibly fit and muscular physique weighing between 75 and 90 kilograms.

What special equipment do Putin's bodyguards carry to ensure his safety?

Putin's bodyguards carry distinctive black leather briefcases that are actually state-of-the-art bulletproof shields, nine millimeter Gurza pistols loaded with armor-piercing bullets, and Kevlar umbrellas that serve as shields and functional umbrellas.

What is the significance of the presidential limousine 'Aurus Senat' and how does it contribute to Putin's security?

The Aurus Senat is a state-of-the-art limousine designed to protect the Russian president. It can withstand bullets of any caliber, sniper fire, landmines, chemical gas attacks, and even small-scale missile assaults, functioning as a mobile command center with cutting-edge communication systems and a CCTV system for a 360-degree view.

What are the additional measures taken by the security team during Putin's foreign visits?

During foreign visits, the security team works closely with local law enforcement agencies to preemptively address potential threats, secure the president's accommodations by searching for explosives and spy devices, and hand-pick the staff accompanying Putin to ensure utmost safety.

How does the script describe the role of food tasters in Putin's security protocol?

Food tasters play an integral part in Putin's security protocol by diligently examining and tasting any food served to the Russian leader, maintaining utmost vigilance against potential poisoning attempts.