Seaside fortress: Putin imposes drastic restrictions in Sochi over drone fears. What the locals are not allowed to do
Russia is introducing an expanded security zone around President Vladimir Putin's Sochi residence amid fears of possible drone attacks. The measure comes with a series of unusual restrictions for the residents of the area.
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According to information published by the Kyiv Post, the Federal Protection Service of Russia – the agency responsible for the security of the president – is preparing to establish a security zone of about 3 km² around the presidential residence Bocharov Ruchey in Sochi.
The draft order, obtained by the publication Agentstvo, shows that the restricted area will include both land areas and portions of the sea.
Drones, weapons-like objects, banners, as well as facilities such as helipads, shooting ranges or paintball and airsoft clubs will be prohibited inside this zone.
Unusual bans for locals
The new rules also impose less common restrictions on those who live nearby. Residents will be prohibited from keeping animals, repairing vehicles or dumping waste inside the security zone. Also, there will be only one permitted berth for boats.
The presidential residence is located in an area frequented by tourists, with residential buildings, sanatoriums and public beaches. Russian authorities are expected to offer compensation to people affected by the new restrictions.
Rarer and rarer visits to Sochi
Before the war, according to an investigation by Proekt Media, Putin spent about a month a year in Sochi, especially in the September-November period, known as “velvet season”. During that time, the Russian leader also used to celebrate there the birthday of the gymnast Alina Kabaeva, who the press writes is the mother of his two sons.
However, the situation has changed in recent years. Since 2023, after drones began arriving in Sochi, Putin's visits to the city have been significantly reduced. A Kremlin source told the media that the Russian leader fears for his life, and his last visit would have taken place in the fall of 2025.
Increased security measures in Russia
Ukrainian attacks on Sochi have intensified since early 2026. Similar security zones have been set up around other Putin residences near Moscow, as well as in Kaliningrad and Valdai.
12 Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft defense systems were deployed in Valdai, intended to protect the area from possible air attacks.
At the same time, the Russian capital was targeted overnight by a massive drone strike, and a major oil depot in Krasnodar Krai was hit, causing a major fire at a fuel hub supplying Russian forces on the southern front.
Earlier reports indicated that a Sukhoi Su-30SM fighter jet now escorts Putin's aircraft during domestic flights. In addition, the Russian leader reportedly began wearing a bulletproof vest at outdoor events on the recommendation of intelligence services.
