- Russian president Vladimir Putin travels in a bulletproof train for security reasons.
- All of Putin’s residences are linked by railway lines.
- Putin has used the bulletproof train more frequently since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin apparently likes to travel in style and safety, even when he’s riding the rails.
The Russian president has the option to hunker down in a luxurious bulletproof train when he gets the urge to tour his country, according to an investigation by the Dossier Center. The specially outfitted bulletproof train allows Putin to keep in touch with his armed forces, much as Air Force One lets the U.S. president work when Joe Biden takes to the skies.
Putin won’t lack for things to do when he spends time on his bulletproof train. The rail cars include a private bedroom and a room outfitted for meetings. There’s no need to mix with the hired help as the train has an extra vehicle for Putin’s entourage. In case the Russian leader wants to reach the outside world, the train boasts a sophisticated communications car.
Putin has plenty of options when it comes to where he can travel on his bulletproof train. All of Putin’s residences are linked by railway lines, and stations have been constructed so that he doesn’t have to spend much time flying, according to a report by the Proyekt (Project) investigative news outlet.
Security is of paramount importance when it comes to the Russian presidential train. Many of the train stations that Putin travels to were constructed in secrecy. But Proyekt revealed the existence of a guarded railway station complete with a helicopter landing pad not far from Putin’s house in Valday.
Enemies will have to guess when the presidential bulletproof train will roll into town if they’re planning an ambush. The special train looks just like a regular passenger train, except for the antennas used for the communications equipment. To make things even safer, the train goes at top speed.
Russian leaders have a long history of using trains. Communist leader Leon Trotsky used an armored train during the Russian Civil War that was outfitted with a telegraph, library, and printing press.
Putin’s train travel might be due to fears that the Russian invasion of Ukraine could bring retaliation. A covert Ukrainian military unit has reportedly been tasked with striking targets inside Russian territory.
The Dossier Center investigation found that Putin has stepped up his bulletproof train use since planning began for the invasion. The report noted that the train could offer extra security because its path can’t be searched online using flight tracking services.
Sascha Brodsky, a freelance journalist based in New York City and a graduate of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs, writes about many aspects of technology including personal technology, AI, and virtual reality. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Guardian, and many other publications. In his spare time, he enjoys cycling and hiking.
