In response to increasing fears for his personal safety and the stability of his regime amid ongoing battles in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a significant reinforcement of his elite security force, known as the 'Praetorian guard'. This private army, separate from the regular military, is being bolstered with additional resources including tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery, reflecting Putin's concerns about potential unrest and threats from opposition factions within Russia.

Putin's decision to expand the 'Rosgvardia', a National Guard unit employed for presidential protection, indicates a level of paranoia regarding his government’s security. As the war in Ukraine continues to result in mounting casualties among Russian troops—reportedly up to 1,000 men per day—the pressure on Putin is intensifying. His actions show an awareness that his control over the military and government may be faltering, prompting him to take drastic measures for personal protection.

This strengthening of the 'Praetorian guard' suggests a shift in focus from external military operations to internal security issues, highlighting a perceived vulnerability within Putin's regime. The growing number of assassinations targeting powerful figures in Moscow only exacerbates his anxiety, making it clear that the implications of the war stretch beyond the battlefield and into the very heart of Russian politics, where the stakes for Putin's survival are higher than ever.