Putin’s Paranoia Explodes as He Bans Aides from Wearing Watches

Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly tightening security around himself in dramatic new ways as paranoia inside the Kremlin appears to be reaching new levels amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

According to multiple reports, Putin has allegedly banned aides and officials from wearing wristwatches during private meetings after becoming convinced the everyday accessories could potentially be used as tools for surveillance — or even assassination.

The latest move has sparked fresh speculation about the Russian leader’s state of mind as the conflict in Ukraine drags on, drone attacks increase and fears of instability continue to ripple through Moscow’s political elite.

Sources familiar with Kremlin security protocols claim officials attending face-to-face meetings with Putin are now being ordered to remove all watches before entering the room — including both smartwatches and traditional mechanical timepieces.

The new restrictions reportedly began rolling out in mid-April and add to an already extreme list of prohibited items that includes phones, tablets and laptops.

One source told independent Russian outlet We Can Explain that Kremlin security has become increasingly obsessive in recent months.

“Phones have long been banned, and now watches have been added to the restrictions — both electronic and mechanical,” the insider said.

The sudden disappearance of watches from officials attending meetings with Putin quickly raised eyebrows among observers.

Yevgeny Pervyshov, governor of Russia’s Tambov region, and Artyom Zdunov, the head of Mordovia, were both recently photographed meeting with Putin without the watches they are normally seen wearing in public appearances.

Even Sergey Kogogin, the CEO of Russian truck manufacturer KamAZ, reportedly appeared watch-free during a Kremlin meeting despite wearing one just days earlier during talks with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

Insiders claim Putin’s growing fears are being fueled by concerns over drone strikes, intelligence leaks and possible betrayal from inside Russia itself.

“There is a feeling inside the Kremlin that Putin trusts fewer and fewer people,” one source reportedly said. “The restrictions are becoming more severe because he genuinely believes there are threats coming from multiple directions.”

The bizarre crackdown has also triggered comparisons to classic spy movies in which watches are transformed into hidden weapons or tracking devices.

Security insiders reportedly referenced films like Octopussy, GoldenEye and Kingsman: The Secret Service — movies where seemingly harmless gadgets conceal poisons, explosives or surveillance technology.

Observers have also noticed Putin himself appearing increasingly secretive about whether he wears a watch during meetings. In one recent televised appearance, viewers spotted the Russian leader deliberately covering his wrist with his hand while cameras rolled.

The Kremlin’s escalating security measures come as Russia’s war in Ukraine remains locked in a brutal stalemate, with heavy casualties, drone attacks and mounting economic strain continuing to pressure Moscow.

Exiled Kremlin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky claimed Putin’s fear has become increasingly obvious as Ukrainian drone capabilities continue improving.

“Putin is physically scared for his life because the Ukrainian drones have demonstrated their ability to strike unexpectedly,” Khodorkovsky said.

Despite the growing restrictions, not everyone inside Putin’s circle appears subject to the same rules. Sergey Chemezov, the powerful head of Russian defense giant Rostec and one of Putin’s longtime allies dating back to their KGB days, was recently seen openly wearing a watch during a meeting with the president — a detail some observers interpreted as a sign of special trust.

As the war drags on and pressure inside Russia intensifies, the extraordinary measures are only adding to the image of a leader increasingly isolated, suspicious and consumed by fears that danger could be lurking even among those closest to him.