Air Defence Towers Installed Around Putin Residence in Valdai

The area surrounding Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence in Valdai has seen a significant strengthening of air defences, according to Ukrainska Pravda.

An analysis of satellite imagery indicates that seven new towers equipped with Pantsir systems were installed in March, bringing the total to 27. Construction began on 17 March, the same day Russia’s defence ministry reported the downing of Ukrainian drones over the Leningrad region.

The new systems are arranged in two defensive rings, similar to the air defence configuration around Moscow. Some of the towers are already fitted with surface-to-air missile systems.

The Valdai residence is regarded as an important private retreat for Putin, where members of his family are also reported to spend time. Comparable deployments have been observed in Tatarstan, where Russia produces drones.

(mja)