Close-up of the bodyguards, the “musketeer” of Russian President Vladimir Putin

Close-up of the bodyguards, the “musketeer” of President Putin

Thursday, June 20, 2024 06:00 AM (GMT+7)

Early morning on June 20, the plane carrying Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Hanoi , beginning a state visit to Vietnam.

Before the plane carrying President Putin landed at Noi Bai International Airport, many bodyguards and Russian special forces were present at the airport to check security.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's bodyguards are a separate, carefully selected elite unit within the Russian Federal Protective Service (FSO).

They call themselves “musketeers,” using guns and information with proficiency in both the real and digital worlds .

At 2am on June 20, Mr Putin left the plane. He was surrounded by many bodyguards, close to him (in the photo on the right, 2 of the many bodyguards protecting him at close range).

The Federal Protective Service of Russia is a national security agency that was established in 1881. Tsar Alexander III established the FSO after the Narodnaya Volya organization assassinated his father. Since then, the FSO has operated like the US Secret Service, with the additional task of protecting VIPs.

To carry out their duties, President Putin's bodyguards must meet very strict physical requirements. They must be between 1.75m and 1.91m tall and weigh between 75kg and 90kg. Bodyguards are discharged from duty when they turn 35.

Regarding their work duties, President Putin's bodyguards must wear the same type of vest (with tie) in all weather conditions, whether cold or hot.

According to Russia Beyond, the bodyguards occupy one of four “circles” around the Russian leader, with each circle responsible for performing certain tasks and adhering to certain rules.

The Russian President’s bodyguards are required to carry weapons, some high-tech gadgets (which look quite simple). Bodyguards also carry bulletproof items such as briefcases and Kevlar umbrellas that can deflect bullets. In this photo, a bodyguard in simple clothes protects Mr. Putin at close range in the early morning of June 20.

Some of Putin’s entourage also includes a “heavy” special operations unit carrying AK-47 automatic rifles, grenade launchers, anti-aircraft missile systems and several sniper rifles. In the photo, bodyguards guard the car carrying Putin leaving Noi Bai airport.

Le Hieu

Source: https://danviet.vn/can-canh-doi-ve-si-nhung-nguoi-linh-ngu-lam-cua-tong-thong-nga-vladimir-putin-20240619145551498.htm