Putin avoids European Russia, favors Siberia amid security fears

Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly planning a visit to Novosibirsk next week, which would be his fifth regional trip since a prolonged period of limited travel. Notably, only one of these recent journeys has been to European Russia, with Kazan being the sole exception during a pre-planned summit. This pattern suggests a significant shift in his travel habits, with a clear preference for Siberia and more remote territories.

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From June 2026, Putin has mostly chosen Siberia and remote areas for his travels, which either do not experience drone attacks at all, or they are carried out very rarely.

Since June 2026, Putin has largely confined his travels to regions like Siberia, which either experience no drone attacks or very few. This strategic choice appears to be a direct response to security concerns, particularly the potential threat of drone strikes. The heightened security measures observed during his visit to Kazan, including the deployment of security forces from other regions, restrictions on electric scooters, and communication jamming, underscore the perceived risks.

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The only exception among the regions in European Russia was Kazan, which Putin visited during a pre-planned summit.

Sources suggest that Putin's increased focus on personal security intensified after a suspected drone attack on his residence in Valdai in December. While Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Valdai remain his primary residences and are exceptions to his travel restrictions, his reluctance to visit other European Russian regions is notable.

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During this trip, unprecedented security measures were taken in the city – security forces were brought in from other regions, the movement of electric scooters was banned, and communication was also jammed.

Kremlin officials have not yet officially announced the Novosibirsk visit. However, potential events include the opening of the SKIF scientific facility, a visit to a local university campus, and a meeting with the governor. This upcoming trip, if confirmed, will further highlight Putin's current travel patterns, prioritizing perceived safety over visits to the country's western regions.

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Exceptions also remain Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Valdai, where his main residences are located.