Vladimir Putin reportedly employs body doubles to evade assassination attempts, according to former MI6 chief Sir Richard Dearlove. He asserts that the Russian President’s heightened paranoia has led to the use of doubles for public appearances, particularly in situations deemed less secure.
Sir Richard noted that the presence of body doubles is not unusual for a high-profile target like Putin. He stated, “There will be occasions, and it would depend on the circumstances, when he certainly, for security reasons, would have a body double.” This practice reflects a broader trend in Russian politics, where assassination has historically been a common risk.
The context for this security measure has intensified following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Kremlin’s concerns regarding Putin’s safety have grown, especially in outdoor settings where he could be more vulnerable. While body doubles may be utilized for less critical public engagements, such as appearances at playgrounds where press access is limited, Sir Richard emphasized that they would not be employed during close-contact diplomatic meetings due to the high risk of exposure.
Ukrainian security services have claimed that individuals resembling Putin have been trained to stand in for him. However, the Kremlin maintains that the President remains visible to the public.
In a notable report from TBS, a Japanese television network, facial recognition technology was employed to analyze images of Putin during significant public events. The analysis concluded that the real Putin hosted the annual Red Square Victory Day parade in May 2023. However, discrepancies were noted in other appearances. For instance, an inspection of the Crimean Bridge 11 months prior resulted in only a 53% facial match, leading experts to suggest the possibility of a body double.
Facial recognition assessments of Putin’s visit to Mariupol in March 2023 produced an even lower match of 40%. Furthermore, images of the Russian leader in Crimea yielded a mere 18% match. TBS reported, “Expert analysis is clearly displaying the high probability of at least two body doubles,” indicating a growing concern about the authenticity of public appearances.
As suspicions mount regarding the authenticity of Putin’s public presence, the implications for Russian politics and international relations remain significant. The use of body doubles raises questions about security protocols, leadership visibility, and the lengths to which officials may go to ensure safety in a high-stakes political environment.
