Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly staying in the Kremlin at night due to concerns about his safety. The 73-year-old leader has implemented a mobile internet shutdown in Moscow for almost two weeks amid fears of potential hacking of the state’s surveillance system, including CCTV cameras in the Russian capital.
According to sources from Russian Telegram channel VChK-OGPU and Rucriminal website, Putin has been spending more time in the Kremlin, including staying overnight. He has also blocked the Telegram messenger in Ukraine, causing discontent among troops who rely on it for communication.
Recent reports suggest that Putin has been holding undisclosed meetings in the Kremlin, not disclosed to the public. This follows statements from Israeli Defense Forces spokesperson Anna Ukolova, hinting at Israel’s capabilities to target individuals like Putin.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov defended the mobile internet shutdown in Moscow, stating that it is in line with the law and necessary for citizens’ security. The Kremlin has previously blocked access to social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, as well as messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram following the invasion of Ukraine.
Additionally, the authorities have promoted a national messenger app called MAX, which critics believe could be used for surveillance purposes.