Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly demolished his lavish Sochi estate, known as Bocharov Ruchey, after avoiding the property for months due to growing fears of Ukrainian drone strikes. According to an investigation by the independent Russian outlet Proekt, the Kremlin leader hasn’t visited the estate since March 2024, following a series of Ukrainian attacks on Russian soil.
A once-frequent retreat now abandoned
Putin, who once spent around 30 days annually at the luxury residence after it was renovated for the 2014 Sochi Olympics, has remained absent since his last recorded visit on March 6, when he met Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Sources close to the 72-year-old leader suggest he became increasingly alarmed after Sochi, a city on the Black Sea, became a target for Ukrainian drone attacks in late 2023.
Proekt revealed that Putin “felt a threat to his physical safety,” causing him to stay away from the estate, despite its status as a favored retreat. The residence has hosted numerous high-profile meetings, including a 2008 summit with then-U.S. President George W. Bush. But fears of potential aerial and sea-based attacks have now overshadowed its history of diplomatic gatherings.
Main building demolished, construction underway
Recent satellite imagery, supported by reports from Proekt, shows that the main building of Bocharov Ruchey has been demolished, and new construction appears to be underway. This drastic move signals the extent of Putin’s concerns for his safety. The mansion’s proximity to the Black Sea makes it vulnerable to attacks, a fear that seems to have driven his decision to stay away.
Skipping celebrations, flying under the radar
Putin’s fears have reportedly also caused him to forego personal traditions. He has avoided the Sochi estate, even skipping annual birthday celebrations for his long-time partner, Alina Kabayeva, which were typically held at the residence.
Additionally, security measures have been tightened around the aircraft Putin uses. According to Proekt, his planes were traceable via live flight tracker Flightradar24 until the end of the first year of the Russia-Ukraine war. However, starting in September 2023, the location of aircraft used by the Russian leader has been obscured, likely in response to Ukraine’s ongoing attacks on Russian territory.
The demolition of Bocharov Ruchey also draws attention to another of Putin’s controversial properties, a $1 billion mansion referred to as “Putin’s Palace.” Located about 160 miles from the Sochi estate, the sprawling residence became a symbol of Putin’s wealth after a video by the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny exposed the luxurious site.
The Kremlin has consistently denied ownership of the palace. As Putin faces increasing threats on Russian soil, including successful Ukrainian strikes, the decisions regarding his safety and properties suggest a growing sense of vulnerability, even within Russia’s borders.