Poop suitcase, food testing lab and body doubles: How Putin's guards shield him during foreign visits | Explained

Russia's President Vladimir Putin - File Photo

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India on December 4 and 5 for the 23rd India Russia Annual Summit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This will be his first trip to India in four years and will include meetings with PM Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. Alongside the diplomatic agenda, an elaborate security system will accompany him, built around practices that are rarely seen with any other world leader.

A security circle chosen through extreme selection standards

Putin’s closest layer of protection consists of guards who are selected through strict screening. Only candidates who fit narrow criteria for age, height, physical strength, psychological stability and loyalty are considered. Most graduate from the Federal Protective Service Academy, where they undergo interviews, polygraph tests and background checks. They are also required to speak foreign languages and train in severe winter conditions. These guards retire early, at the age of 35.

Their duties extend beyond standard protection. They have been known to intervene during meetings if anyone gets too close to the Russian leader, including the time they reportedly stopped Kim Jong Un in 2025 from approaching Putin beyond the permitted distance.

Secrecy protocols: From body doubles to the ‘poop suitcase’

Putin travels under strict secrecy protocols designed to shield personal information. Reports say he occasionally uses body doubles at public events or in situations where security risks are high. Major General Kirill Budanov of Ukraine has claimed that Putin uses at least three doubles and that some have undergone plastic surgery to resemble him.

Another reported practice is the collection of Putin’s waste by his security team during foreign visits. According to these accounts, the waste is sealed and sent back to Russia so that no foreign authority can examine his health. Bodyguards remain with him even during private moments, including bathroom visits.

Controlled travel: Vehicles, aircraft and food safety

Putin’s movements are planned with precision. Once he lands in India, he will travel in the Aurus Senat, the Russian state limousine built under the Kortezh project. The car is bulletproof, grenade resistant and can function even when all four tyres are punctured. It can reach speeds of 249 kmph and carries oxygen supplies, a fire suppression system and communications equipment.

In the air, Putin uses the Ilyushin IL-96-300PU, also called the “Flying Pluton.” The aircraft contains secure communication systems, missile protection, meeting rooms and a medical unit. It also has an emergency nuclear command button that allows Putin to authorise strikes while airborne. His aircraft is usually accompanied by one or two backup jets.

Food safety is another major concern. Putin reportedly travels with a lab to test meals for toxins, and does not rely on hotel kitchens. His own chefs, who are also trained military personnel, prepare everything he consumes. Hotels are inspected weeks in advance and all items inside his rooms are replaced with Russian supplied materials.

Prepared for modern threats

Putin’s security team trains for a range of modern threats, including drone attacks. One of his guards has been photographed carrying a handheld anti-drone device believed to be capable of disabling or shooting down hostile unmanned aircraft.

If an attack occurs, guards are trained to form a human shield around Putin and move him to the Aurus Senat. From there, he can be transported directly to his aircraft, which is kept ready for immediate evacuation.