How real is a coup threat against Russia's president?

"The Kremlin has radically increased security around Russian president Vladimir Putin, apparently due to growing fears of assassination or a coup. That is according to a report from an unnamed European intelligence agency that was cited by independent Russian investigative media outlet, iStories or Important Stories, as well as US broadcaster CNN and UK newspaper the Financial Times."

"But what most experts are certain of is that Putin himself is becoming more worried about his own security, and that economic problems and growing pressure from security forces on technocrats are exacerbating tensions among Russian elites. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video"

"In the leaked report, Russia's former defense minister Sergei Shoigu, now secretary of Russia's security council, is seen as a potentially destabilizing actor. While Shoigu has lost much of his former influence, he still has a lot of power in the military and poses a threat to Putin, Roman Anin, the Russian investigative journalist who founded iStories, explains."

"Anin believes that in Russia there are growing tensions within state security organs and the “siloviki,” or “securocrat,” clans that hold much of the power in Russia. UK newspaper The Guardian describes the “siloviki” as “the Russian security men who have surrounded [Putin], many of whom served in the KGB and have maintained conservative, often conspiratoria"

Security around Vladimir Putin has been increased significantly, reportedly due to fears of assassination or a coup. The leaked information points to growing concern within Russian leadership about personal safety and internal stability. Economic problems and pressure from security forces on technocrats are described as worsening tensions among Russian elites. Sergei Shoigu, now secretary of the security council, is identified as a potentially destabilizing actor because he retains substantial power in the military despite reduced influence. Observers also note rising friction within state security organs and among “siloviki” clans, which hold major power in Russia. These dynamics are presented as contributing to uncertainty and instability within the leadership system.

Read at www.dw.com