Putin paranoia spirals as elite ‘clan’ could plot assassination in coup attempt

Vladimir Putin has been increasingly fearful of a potential risk of a plot or coup attempt targeting the Russian president, a leaked report has revealed. The unnamed European intelligence agency report was cited by independent Russian investigative media outlets, as well as CNN and the Financial Times.

The publication has divided Russia observers. Some believe a coup is highly unlikely and see the leaked information as another part of an ongoing campaign to destabilise the Russian leadership system. However, some believe it is likely.

The report says: “Kremlin and Vladimir Putin himself have been concerned about potential leaks of sensitive information, as well as the risk of a plot or coup attempt targeting the Russian president. He is particularly wary of the use of drones for a possible assassination attempt by members of the Russian political elite.” This has been the case since March 2026, according to the report.

In April, VCHK-OGPU, a Telegram channel run by an anonymous Russian military blogger that’s become known for publishing supposed data breaches from Russian security agencies, posted that the Kremlin feared danger from within, DW reports.

The most striking conclusion concerns Putin’s former close ally, Sergei Shoigu. The sidelined former defence minister, currently serving as secretary of the Security Council, “is associated with the risk of a coup, as he retains significant influence within the military high command”, the report adds.

“For many years, Shoigu was the leader of an extremely influential clan,” Roman Anin, the Russian investigative journalist, told DW. “As defence minister and head of the disaster relief ministry, he managed to unite a large number of people under his command and involve them in corrupt networks. They adhere to a mafia-like code.”

The report offered no evidence to back claims against Shoigu, once considered one of Putin’s closest allies. Any move against the Russian president would represent a major shift in loyalty.

Putin has already survived one attempted uprising, when Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin launched a failed march on Moscow in 2023.

Rumours of divisions within Russia’s elite are common but rarely made public. With Western backing for Ukraine under pressure, European intelligence agencies may also have reason to highlight signs of instability inside the Kremlin.

However, it appears security around Putin has been significantly tightened in recent months. Reports claim surveillance systems have been installed in the homes of close staff members, while staff working near the Russian president face strict rules, including limits on phone use and bans on public transport.

Increased precautions reportedly followed a series of assassinations targeting senior Russian military figures, including the killing of a top general in December. Putin has also reduced the number of places he regularly visits, including avoiding some of his usual residences near Moscow and Valdai.

He has also not visited a military facility this year so far, despite regular trips in 2025.

Western intelligence agencies rarely release detailed information about the private discussions of rival states, especially when the material may come from sensitive human or electronic sources.

However, the decision to make the report public may suggest some European officials hope growing internal tensions could eventually weaken Russia from within.