An Aurus luxury limousine believed to be part of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s official fleet has exploded in Moscow, raising alarm over the dictator's safety amid ongoing assassination fears. The incident occurred on March 29, 2025, when the £275,000 Aurus Senat was engulfed in flames on a street just north of the FSB secret service headquarters on Lubyanka. Footage from the scene shows the vehicle ablaze, with thick black smoke billowing into the air as firefighters rushed to extinguish the fire.
The car, worth approximately 320,000 euros, is thought to belong to the Presidential Property Management Office, which oversees the Kremlin’s vehicles. Eyewitnesses reported that the fire originated from the engine and quickly spread to the interior. Fortunately, reports indicate that there were no injuries or fatalities resulting from the explosion, although it remains unclear who was inside the vehicle at the time.
Putin, 72, is known for frequently using Russian-made cars and has even gifted such limousines to other leaders, including North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. This incident comes amidst heightened paranoia within the Kremlin regarding potential assassination attempts against Putin. Earlier this week, there were significant security measures observed, including Federal Protection Service (FSO) officers conducting body searches on servicemen in Murmansk, who were waiting for Putin to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Each member of the honor guard was thoroughly searched for hidden weapons or explosives.
Reports have surfaced that magazines were removed from their guns and plugs fitted into the chambers, reflecting acute fears that Putin may be at risk from his own troops. The heightened concern for his safety is not unfounded; in recent months, several high-ranking Russian military officials have been killed under suspicious circumstances, further intensifying the atmosphere of fear surrounding the Russian leader.
In a recent public appearance, Putin boarded the nuclear submarine Arkhangelsk, where he ominously declared, “Not long ago I said we’d grind them [Ukraine] down — now it looks like we’ll finish them off.” This statement underscores the aggressive stance Putin has taken amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, which has further complicated his security situation.
Earlier this year, the Kremlin issued a stark warning that any attempt on Putin’s life would be met with a nuclear response. The head of Ukraine's military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, has claimed to be aware of multiple assassination attempts against Putin, although details remain scarce and unverified.
Adding to the uncertainty surrounding Putin's health, there have been persistent rumors about his medical condition. Sightings of a scar on his neck have triggered speculation that he may have undergone treatment for thyroid cancer. In 2024, the General SVR Telegram channel, known for its focus on Putin’s health, claimed that he suffered a heart attack and was revived by doctors before being rushed to a specialist intensive care unit within his official residence.
The Kremlin has had to manage various rumors about Putin's health, including an incident in 2022 where it was reported he had an accident after falling down a flight of stairs, allegedly losing control of his bowels due to a medical issue. These health concerns, coupled with the recent explosion of his limousine, have only fueled speculation about his ability to maintain control over Russia.
As the war in Ukraine continues to be unpopular domestically, Putin's public appearances have become increasingly scrutinized. Reports indicate that he has started wearing bulletproof vests to public events, reflecting his growing fears of assassination. A former bodyguard revealed that Putin has little trust in his own security team, going as far as having them operate his washing machine due to his paranoia.
In addition to the explosion of his limousine, there have been other signs of heightened security measures taken by the Kremlin. FSO officers were seen opening sewer hatches in search of bombs close to a venue where Putin was scheduled to speak, further illustrating the lengths to which authorities are going to protect the Russian leader.
Despite the challenges he faces, Putin remains resolute in his military ambitions. The Kremlin is reportedly on heightened alert due to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine and the increasing number of attacks on high-ranking officials in Europe and Asia. As tensions rise, the Russian government has emphasized the importance of maintaining Putin's security, stating, "He is protected by a whole army of visible and invisible guards."
As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely, aware that any instability within the Kremlin could have far-reaching consequences. With Putin's health and safety under constant scrutiny, the explosion of his limousine serves as a stark reminder of the precarious nature of power in Russia today.
