Previously, Putin has spent at least a month a year in his palace-like summer residence by the Black Sea. Among other things, he has traditionally celebrated his alleged girlfriend Alina Kabaeva's birthday in Sochi – but not this year.
Putin is said to have become increasingly anxious since Ukraine launched several drone attacks against Sochi last autumn, according to reports. A source close to the president is said to have confirmed that Putin is afraid for his safety.
According to Project, Putin has even had the palace's main building demolished.
The Bocharov Ruchej residence has previously been one of Putin's main retreats, but also the site of several top-level meetings. Among other things, US President George Bush visited the palace in 2008.
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