Blast in one of Vladimir Putin's official limousines triggers fresh assassination concerns: Report

One of the luxury limousine's from Russian President Vladmir Putin's official car fleet exploded in central Moscow, The Sun reported. The incident has sparked fresh concerns about his security and internal threats within the Kremlin.

A video of the burning limousine has gone viral on social media. It shows thick black smoke billowing from the vehicle.

The explosion happened only days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested that Russia could suffer a major setback in the war and amid rumors surrounding Putin’s health, according to The Sun.


Zelensky had also stated, “Vladimir Putin will die soon,” calling it a “fact,” as per a report by The Mirror. He further urged the United States to maintain pressure on Moscow.


The Aurus Senat limousine worth 275,000 Euros is a highlight of Russia’s political elite. It was on fire near the FSB headquarters in Lubyanka.

The Sun stated that witnesses reported that the fire started in the engine before burning the interiors of the vehicle. People from a nearby restaurant rushed to help before the emergency services arrived. The exact cause of the explosion is not known yet and there have been no injuries reported so far, The Sun stated.

The limousine is reportedly managed by the Presidential Property Department, responsible for Putin’s transport. However, it remains unclear as to who was inside the vehicle at the time of the blast.

The 72-year-old Russian President uses Russian-made limos and has gifted them to allies, including North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The explosion comes at a time of increased speculation about threats within Putin’s inner circle.

Putin's security has increased in the past few months. According to The Sun, in Murmansk, ceremonial guards went through body searches by Federal Protection Service (FSO) officers. A former bodyguard told a Russian broadcaster, “This is how much he fears for his life.”

FSO agents have also been seen inspecting garbage bins and sewer covers near the president’s speaking sites, while reports suggest that Putin wears bulletproof vests during public appearances. “He is protected by a whole army of visible and invisible guards,” a Kremlin source told The Sun.