By the mid-1920s, fledgling author Mikhail Bulgakov was already a marked man in the eyes of Soviet authorities due to his critical and satirical views of the Bolshevik regime. In April 1926, agents…

By the mid-1920s, fledgling author Mikhail Bulgakov was already a marked man in the eyes of Soviet authorities due to his critical and satirical views of the Bolshevik regime. In April 1926, agents from the OGPU (the Soviet secret police and erstwhile precursor to the KGB) raided his Moscow apartment. During their search, the authorities confiscated his personal, highly candid diaries, along with the manuscript for his brilliant, biting satirical novella ‘

Security around the Kremlin was unexpectedly scaled back on the evening of September 23, with armored vehicles and mobile fire group vehicles disappearing from bridges near the complex, and sentries removed from the towers that had been guarded earlier that day. The influential Telegram channel VChK-OGPU, which is linked to Russian security services, drew attention to these changes, describing unusual activity around the Kremlin and a sudden relaxation of security measures. VChK-OGPU reported that two main theories circulated about the developments: either President Vladimir Putin was on vacation, or some significant events were taking place. Later, the channel claimed that Putin had indeed left Moscow for a break, even as the Kremlin attempted to keep this fact under wraps. It said Putin conducted a Security Council meeting via videoconference from a replica office designed to obscure his actual location. According to sources cited by the channel, Putin was reportedly on a one-week vacation. The president’s whereabouts are being kept strictly confidential. Previously, Ukrainian diplomat Andriy Sybiha raised a sensitive question for Russia at the United Nations about the situation in Moscow. There have also been recent reports that the Kremlin elite is losing confidence in Putin as the war drags on with no clear exit strategy.

Security around the Kremlin was unexpectedly scaled back on the evening of September 23, with armored vehicles and mobile fire group vehicles disappearing from bridges near the complex, and sentries removed from the towers that had been guarded earlier that day. The influential Telegram channel VChK-OGPU, which is linked to Russian security services, drew attention to these changes, describing unusual activity around the Kremlin and a sudden relaxation of security measures. VChK-OGPU reported that two main theories circulated about the developments: either President Vladimir Putin was on vacation, or some significant events were taking place. Later, the channel claimed that Putin had indeed left Moscow for a break, even as the Kremlin attempted to keep this fact under wraps. It said Putin conducted a Security Council meeting via videoconference from a replica office designed to obscure his actual location. According to sources cited by the channel, Putin was reportedly on a one-week vacation. The president’s whereabouts are being kept strictly confidential. Previously, Ukrainian diplomat Andriy Sybiha raised a sensitive question for Russia at the United Nations about the situation in Moscow. There have also been recent reports that the Kremlin elite is losing confidence in Putin as the war drags on with no clear exit strategy.

Security around the Kremlin was unexpectedly scaled back on the evening of September 23, with armored vehicles and mobile fire group vehicles disappearing from bridges near the complex, and sentries removed from the towers that had been guarded earlier that day. The influential Telegram channel VChK-OGPU, which is linked to Russian security services, drew attention to these changes, describing unusual activity around the Kremlin and a sudden relaxation of security measures. VChK-OGPU reported that two main theories circulated about the developments: either President Vladimir Putin was on vacation, or some significant events were taking place. Later, the channel claimed that Putin had indeed left Moscow for a break, even as the Kremlin attempted to keep this fact under wraps. It said Putin conducted a Security Council meeting via videoconference from a replica office designed to obscure his actual location. According to sources cited by the channel, Putin was reportedly on a one-week vacation. The president’s whereabouts are being kept strictly confidential. Previously, Ukrainian diplomat Andriy Sybiha raised a sensitive question for Russia at the United Nations about the situation in Moscow. There have also been recent reports that the Kremlin elite is losing confidence in Putin as the war drags on with no clear exit strategy.

👀 By evening, all armored vehicles and mobile task force vehicles had been removed from the bridges near the Kremlin. The guards who had been stationed there during the day had also disappeared from t...

Former Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu is reportedly in a highly agitated state after falling out of favor with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to sources cited by the insider Telegram channel VChK-OGPU. Neighbors near Shoigu's mansion on the Rublyovo-Uspenskoye highway outside Moscow have described hearing loud noises and shouting coming from his residence in the early mornings, along with the appearance of thick, pungent smoke. Sources told the channel that household staff revealed the reason for the commotion: several shamans have been brought to stay at Shoigu's home and are conducting rituals at dawn, which involve drumming and burning fragrant plants. The sources said it remains unclear what the shamans are asking for on Shoigu's behalf, or how long these ceremonies may continue. One of the channel's sources described Shoigu as being extremely nervous and said he does not see any signs that Putin has fully "forgiven" him since he left his post at the Ministry of Defense. The source added that while Shoigu's daughter continues to work on government-funded projects without interference, Shoigu himself "remains in a difficult situation, expecting a blow from every side." Another source claimed that Shoigu's tense state reportedly amuses Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev. According to this account, relations between Shoigu and Medvedev have deteriorated to the point where the two men are said to have stopped greeting each other. The reported rituals at Shoigu’s mansion come amid broader rumors about the use of shamanistic practices among Russia’s political elite. Previous media reports have described Putin and Shoigu participating in various ceremonies during trips to Siberia, with claims that Shoigu introduced Putin to "antler baths" in the mid-2000s. Journalist Mikhail Zygar, citing sources close to the Kremlin, has also reported that Putin traveled to Tuva and Mongolia for consultations with shamans. Western intelligence agencies previously assessed that Shoigu could be at the center of a potential coup plot against Putin, with some Russian pro-war bloggers openly discussing the possibility for the first time in Russia. Reports last year also indicated that Putin feared a state coup in Russia, as was noted as early as autumn 2025.

Former Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu is reportedly in a highly agitated state after falling out of favor with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to sources cited by the insider Telegram channel VChK-OGPU. Neighbors near Shoigu's mansion on the Rublyovo-Uspenskoye highway outside Moscow have described hearing loud noises and shouting coming from his residence in the early mornings, along with the appearance of thick, pungent smoke. Sources told the channel that household staff revealed the reason for the commotion: several shamans have been brought to stay at Shoigu's home and are conducting rituals at dawn, which involve drumming and burning fragrant plants. The sources said it remains unclear what the shamans are asking for on Shoigu's behalf, or how long these ceremonies may continue. One of the channel's sources described Shoigu as being extremely nervous and said he does not see any signs that Putin has fully "forgiven" him since he left his post at the Ministry of Defense. The source added that while Shoigu's daughter continues to work on government-funded projects without interference, Shoigu himself "remains in a difficult situation, expecting a blow from every side." Another source claimed that Shoigu's tense state reportedly amuses Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev. According to this account, relations between Shoigu and Medvedev have deteriorated to the point where the two men are said to have stopped greeting each other. The reported rituals at Shoigu’s mansion come amid broader rumors about the use of shamanistic practices among Russia’s political elite. Previous media reports have described Putin and Shoigu participating in various ceremonies during trips to Siberia, with claims that Shoigu introduced Putin to "antler baths" in the mid-2000s. Journalist Mikhail Zygar, citing sources close to the Kremlin, has also reported that Putin traveled to Tuva and Mongolia for consultations with shamans. Western intelligence agencies previously assessed that Shoigu could be at the center of a potential coup plot against Putin, with some Russian pro-war bloggers openly discussing the possibility for the first time in Russia. Reports last year also indicated that Putin feared a state coup in Russia, as was noted as early as autumn 2025.

Former Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu is reportedly in a highly agitated state after falling out of favor with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to sources cited by the insider Telegram channel VChK-OGPU. Neighbors near Shoigu's mansion on the Rublyovo-Uspenskoye highway outside Moscow have described hearing loud noises and shouting coming from his residence in the early mornings, along with the appearance of thick, pungent smoke. Sources told the channel that household staff revealed the reason for the commotion: several shamans have been brought to stay at Shoigu's home and are conducting rituals at dawn, which involve drumming and burning fragrant plants. The sources said it remains unclear what the shamans are asking for on Shoigu's behalf, or how long these ceremonies may continue. One of the channel's sources described Shoigu as being extremely nervous and said he does not see any signs that Putin has fully "forgiven" him since he left his post at the Ministry of Defense. The source added that while Shoigu's daughter continues to work on government-funded projects without interference, Shoigu himself "remains in a difficult situation, expecting a blow from every side." Another source claimed that Shoigu's tense state reportedly amuses Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev. According to this account, relations between Shoigu and Medvedev have deteriorated to the point where the two men are said to have stopped greeting each other. The reported rituals at Shoigu’s mansion come amid broader rumors about the use of shamanistic practices among Russia’s political elite. Previous media reports have described Putin and Shoigu participating in various ceremonies during trips to Siberia, with claims that Shoigu introduced Putin to "antler baths" in the mid-2000s. Journalist Mikhail Zygar, citing sources close to the Kremlin, has also reported that Putin traveled to Tuva and Mongolia for consultations with shamans. Western intelligence agencies previously assessed that Shoigu could be at the center of a potential coup plot against Putin, with some Russian pro-war bloggers openly discussing the possibility for the first time in Russia. Reports last year also indicated that Putin feared a state coup in Russia, as was noted as early as autumn 2025.

A new influential clan made up of former bodyguards of Russian president Vladimir Putin is reportedly consolidating power inside Russia’s ruling elite, as behind-the-scenes battles within the Kremlin intensify. One result has been the removal of Sergei Alpatov, described as one of the country’s most powerful security officials, from his post. The Russian Telegram channel VChK-OGPU, which is linked by some to the security services, reported that Alpatov was recently dismissed as head of the FSB’s Economic Security Service. According to the channel, he became a casualty of the new Kremlin clan formed by Putin’s ex-bodyguards, a group that is rapidly gaining strength by seizing authority and assets from members of the president’s inner circle. “Russia is entering a new era,” the channel claimed, “when personnel changes in the security apparatus, certain ministries and agencies, and state-owned corporations will be driven not by the usual members of the Ozero cooperative or shareholders of Bank Rossiya, but by this clan of bodyguards.” Key figures in the group are said to include former Putin personal security aides Alexey Dyumin, Dmitry Mironov, Dmitry Stepanenko, and the current head of the Federal Protective Service (FSO), Dmitry Konchnev. The report alleges that the clan has already secured control over the assets of Arkady Rotenberg, and exerts significant influence on Sberbank CEO Herman Gref. It also claims the group is currently moving to take over the assets of Anatoly Yablonsky, reputed to be the keeper of FSB Deputy Director Yevgeny Lovyrev’s capital. According to VChK-OGPU, this clan manipulates the fears of the aging president, now 73, persuading him to sideline rivals by warning him of alleged plots and assassination attempts. “This isn’t the first time the bodyguard clan has pulled this ‘trick’ on Putin,” the channel reported. “The trial balloon was launched in the spring of this year when representatives of the clan told the president about an assassination attempt being prepared—remember all those armed guards on Kremlin rooftops and the mausoleum—and claimed credit for thwarting it. That’s when the clan realized the extent of its influence over Putin.” As a result, the channel argued, Putin, who is said to be gripped by a deep fear for his own safety, is steadily losing his grip on power and becoming a pawn of his former bodyguards. Earlier reports noted that divisions have emerged within Putin’s circle over the war against Ukraine, with the president reportedly fearful of destabilization. It was also reported that Putin had launched a "purge" of FSB officers who targeted Rotenberg.

A new influential clan made up of former bodyguards of Russian president Vladimir Putin is reportedly consolidating power inside Russia’s ruling elite, as behind-the-scenes battles within the Kremlin intensify. One result has been the removal of Sergei Alpatov, described as one of the country’s most powerful security officials, from his post. The Russian Telegram channel VChK-OGPU, which is linked by some to the security services, reported that Alpatov was recently dismissed as head of the FSB’s Economic Security Service. According to the channel, he became a casualty of the new Kremlin clan formed by Putin’s ex-bodyguards, a group that is rapidly gaining strength by seizing authority and assets from members of the president’s inner circle. “Russia is entering a new era,” the channel claimed, “when personnel changes in the security apparatus, certain ministries and agencies, and state-owned corporations will be driven not by the usual members of the Ozero cooperative or shareholders of Bank Rossiya, but by this clan of bodyguards.” Key figures in the group are said to include former Putin personal security aides Alexey Dyumin, Dmitry Mironov, Dmitry Stepanenko, and the current head of the Federal Protective Service (FSO), Dmitry Konchnev. The report alleges that the clan has already secured control over the assets of Arkady Rotenberg, and exerts significant influence on Sberbank CEO Herman Gref. It also claims the group is currently moving to take over the assets of Anatoly Yablonsky, reputed to be the keeper of FSB Deputy Director Yevgeny Lovyrev’s capital. According to VChK-OGPU, this clan manipulates the fears of the aging president, now 73, persuading him to sideline rivals by warning him of alleged plots and assassination attempts. “This isn’t the first time the bodyguard clan has pulled this ‘trick’ on Putin,” the channel reported. “The trial balloon was launched in the spring of this year when representatives of the clan told the president about an assassination attempt being prepared—remember all those armed guards on Kremlin rooftops and the mausoleum—and claimed credit for thwarting it. That’s when the clan realized the extent of its influence over Putin.” As a result, the channel argued, Putin, who is said to be gripped by a deep fear for his own safety, is steadily losing his grip on power and becoming a pawn of his former bodyguards. Earlier reports noted that divisions have emerged within Putin’s circle over the war against Ukraine, with the president reportedly fearful of destabilization. It was also reported that Putin had launched a "purge" of FSB officers who targeted Rotenberg.

A new influential clan made up of former bodyguards of Russian president Vladimir Putin is reportedly consolidating power inside Russia’s ruling elite, as behind-the-scenes battles within the Kremlin intensify. One result has been the removal of Sergei Alpatov, described as one of the country’s most powerful security officials, from his post. The Russian Telegram channel VChK-OGPU, which is linked by some to the security services, reported that Alpatov was recently dismissed as head of the FSB’s Economic Security Service. According to the channel, he became a casualty of the new Kremlin clan formed by Putin’s ex-bodyguards, a group that is rapidly gaining strength by seizing authority and assets from members of the president’s inner circle. “Russia is entering a new era,” the channel claimed, “when personnel changes in the security apparatus, certain ministries and agencies, and state-owned corporations will be driven not by the usual members of the Ozero cooperative or shareholders of Bank Rossiya, but by this clan of bodyguards.” Key figures in the group are said to include former Putin personal security aides Alexey Dyumin, Dmitry Mironov, Dmitry Stepanenko, and the current head of the Federal Protective Service (FSO), Dmitry Konchnev. The report alleges that the clan has already secured control over the assets of Arkady Rotenberg, and exerts significant influence on Sberbank CEO Herman Gref. It also claims the group is currently moving to take over the assets of Anatoly Yablonsky, reputed to be the keeper of FSB Deputy Director Yevgeny Lovyrev’s capital. According to VChK-OGPU, this clan manipulates the fears of the aging president, now 73, persuading him to sideline rivals by warning him of alleged plots and assassination attempts. “This isn’t the first time the bodyguard clan has pulled this ‘trick’ on Putin,” the channel reported. “The trial balloon was launched in the spring of this year when representatives of the clan told the president about an assassination attempt being prepared—remember all those armed guards on Kremlin rooftops and the mausoleum—and claimed credit for thwarting it. That’s when the clan realized the extent of its influence over Putin.” As a result, the channel argued, Putin, who is said to be gripped by a deep fear for his own safety, is steadily losing his grip on power and becoming a pawn of his former bodyguards. Earlier reports noted that divisions have emerged within Putin’s circle over the war against Ukraine, with the president reportedly fearful of destabilization. It was also reported that Putin had launched a "purge" of FSB officers who targeted Rotenberg.

Источники рассказали о кадровой зачистке в ФСБ РФ после выхода олигарха Ротенберга из опалы Путина.