The Federal Protection Service of the Russian Federation (FSO) has decided to take additional measures to secure the famous Bocharov Ruchay residence of President Vladimir Putin, located in the resort of Sochi on the Black Sea coast. Even though the facility is one of the Russian leader's favorite vacation spots, he has practically stopped going there due to the war in Ukraine, which he caused, and now he is afraid of Ukrainian drone attacks.
According to the draft regulation of the Russian security service, obtained by the independent Russian website Agency, a protection zone with an area of three square kilometers will be created around the presidential complex. Its boundaries will run mainly on land, but will also partially cover the area at sea.
Inside the zone (on the map provided by the Agency on its Telegram profile, it is marked in red based on the coordinates provided by FSO in the project documentation) many things will be prohibited: primarily piloting any drones, using objects that “look like weapons”, hanging “banner-like banners”, as well as building helicopter landing pads, as well as shooting ranges, paintball and airsoft clubs. In addition, it will not be possible to breed animals, repair cars or motorcycles, or create garbage dumps in the designated area. In addition, only one section of the quay will be designated for mooring water transport in the protection zone.
The Boczarow Ruczaj residence is surrounded by residential buildings, sanatoriums and public beaches used by civilians. The draft regulation on the creation of the zone states that FSO must compensate for damage resulting from the restriction of the rights of people living in the territory that will be part of the protection zone.
According to Project – a Russian investigative website run by independent journalists – the Sochi residence is one of Putin's favorite places. Before the war (in Ukraine), he spent about a month a year there, mainly in the so-called the velvet season, which lasts from September to November. He also had a tradition of celebrating the birthday of the mother of his two sons, gymnast Alina Kabaeva, in this place in May.
However, since 2023, when Ukrainian drones began to reach Sochi, Putin has significantly limited his trips to southern Russia. His friend told Project journalists anonymously that the Russian president began to fear for his life. Putin's last visit to Sochi, as known thanks to his public schedule of speeches, took place in the fall of 2025. Since the beginning of 2026, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have increased the number of attacks on the city.
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In the years 2023–2025, the boundaries of protection zones were marked around Putin's residence in Novo-Ogaryev near Moscow, called the “royal village”, as well as in the Koenigsberg Oblast and the Valdai complex in the Novgorod Oblast. Twelve air defense complexes were also deployed near the latter – mainly Pantsir-S1 on towers. According to the Dosje center, it is here that Wałday Kabaeva spends most of the year with her children.
Earlier, there were reports that during flights within Russia, Putin's plane began to be escorted by a Su-30SM fighter. Additionally, two officials and a source close to the Kremlin told the Moscow Times that, in accordance with the recommendation of the secret services, the president began wearing a bulletproof vest during public outdoor events.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
