Revealed: Inside Vladimir Putin's Extraordinary Security Apparatus During International Travel

Russian President Vladimir Putin's international visits reveal an extraordinary security apparatus operating largely behind the scenes. When traveling abroad, such as his recent trip to India, Putin moves within a carefully orchestrated protective sphere that extends far beyond visible bodyguards.

The Federal Protective Service (FSO), one of Russia's most secretive security organizations, meticulously manages every aspect of Putin's foreign travel. This agency ensures comprehensive protection through rigorous planning and execution of security protocols.

Putin's immediate protection comes from the Presidential Security Service (SBP), an elite unit within the FSO. These bodyguards undergo exceptionally strict selection criteria: candidates must be younger than 35, stand taller than 180 cm, demonstrate superior physical fitness and combat readiness, and possess strong psychological resilience. Foreign language proficiency is required, alongside extensive background investigations and loyalty assessments.

According to Gleb Karakulov, a former bodyguard who defected in 2023, Putin maintains an extremely isolated lifestyle. He reportedly avoids using mobile phones and occasionally travels via special train rather than aircraft. His security network encompasses specialized personnel including snipers, drone operators, electronic intelligence experts, and dedicated communications teams.

Food safety represents another critical security dimension. Presidential chefs follow stringent protocols, including wearing gloves, changing uniforms multiple times daily, and submitting to hand inspections for injuries. Every food ingredient undergoes careful examination, and despite these precautions, bodyguards taste all dishes prepared for Putin first—effectively serving as human food testers.

A chef featured in the documentary "Our Service" explained: "Wherever the leader is, we are there. Whether it's a business trip, vacation, or private ceremony, we are always present. For major events, we provide supervision as well."

Putin's dietary preferences are notably specific. He reportedly avoids fast food, limits evening meat consumption, and favors particular dishes including eggplant appetizers, Olivier salad, and game liver. At official functions, he typically drinks rosehip or ginger tea while rarely consuming alcohol.

For transportation abroad, Putin utilizes the bulletproof Aurus Senat limousine. This vehicle features grenade-resistant construction, emergency oxygen systems, fire suppression capabilities, and sophisticated communications technology. His aircraft, an Ilyushin IL-96-300PU nicknamed the "Flying Pluton," contains secure communications systems, a gymnasium, medical facilities, conference spaces, and equipment enabling nuclear strike authorization if necessary.

Perhaps most unusual among Putin's security measures is the handling of his bodily waste. Reports indicate that his excrement is collected, sealed, and returned to Russia to prevent foreign intelligence services from analyzing his health condition through biological samples. Security personnel reportedly place these materials in sealed briefcases for transport to Moscow—a practice observed during Putin's 2017 visit to France, his 2019 trip to Saudi Arabia, and more recently at the Alaska Summit in the United States.

Former BBC journalist Farida Rustamova has confirmed these precautions, adding that during certain foreign visits, Putin has used private facilities including portable toilets. According to her source, the president has maintained this practice since beginning his leadership in 1999.