Putin uses bodyguards, lookalike stand ins and food tasters to foil assassination plots

dailystar.co.uk:

Vladimir Putin uses an array of techniques to ensure his safety at all times, including having his food tasted before he eats it and being flanked by a highly trained special unit when in public.

The Russian President's overall safety is probably at an all-time low considering his invasion of Ukraine. This isn't helped by comments from US Senator Lindsey Graham, who on Thursday called on “somebody in Russia to take this guy out." But to do so is no mean feat.

First of all, Putin has a team hand-picked for qualities that include “operational psychology,” physical stamina and the ability to withstand cold and not sweat in heat.This team are reportedly kitted out with special briefcases that serve as shields to protect Putin and carry Russian-made, 9 mm SR-1 Vektor pistols loaded with armor-piercing bullets.Any would be assassin would need to negotiate four layers of physical security, who are replaced upon turning 35, before getting close to the 69-year-old.When Putin is in public he is flanked by four levels of this special unit, a subsection of the Federal Protective Service, or FSO, but only one section is ever visible.The first layer is dressed as you would expect and are designed to deter any attackers.They are constantly alert to any danger and often carry bulletproof briefcases and kevlar umbrellas which are designed to protect Putin from bullets.Naturally, they're also dressed for the offensive and each carries a 9-mm ‘Gurza’ pistol that can shoot 40 rounds a minute.The second sinister layer of protection is not actually around the president but located in the crowds.There undercover plain-clothed agents are permitted to stalk and act on any threatening behaviour they see towards Putin.The third circle of guards is.