Key facts
- New air defense towers have been constructed around Russian President Vladimir Putin's Valdai residence.
- The expanded perimeter includes the Khotilovo military base and a laboratory on Lisiy Island.
- Air defense systems, believed to be Pantsir or Tor units, have been positioned south of the residence.
Russia has constructed an additional ring of air defense towers within 50 kilometers of President Vladimir Putin's residence in Valdai, according to reports from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and OSINT analyst jembob. Approximately 16 new SHORAD towers were built in September, bringing the total to around 50. The expanded defensive perimeter now encompasses the Khotilovo military base, which serves as an alternate landing site, and a secret biological laboratory on Lisiy Island. Air defense systems, believed to be Pantsir or Tor units, have been positioned south of the residence. One tower on the Khotilovo military air base was already in place by March 2026.