Former British intelligence chief Sir Richard Dearlove has said he is “certain” that Russian President Vladimir Putin uses body doubles in some public occasions to reduce the risk of assassination.
In comments to The Sun, the former MI6 chief said the use of surrogates would be a logical and “normal” security measure for such a high-profile and hotly targeted leader as Putin, especially amid Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
“There will be occasions, and it would depend on the circumstances, when he would certainly, for security reasons, have a body double,” said Dirlov.
He added that assassination has long been a feature of Russian political life and that the risks facing Putin have only increased since the conflict with Ukraine began.
“He would be a drone target for the Ukrainians as well, if they could know exactly where he is,” said Dirlov. “So I think it makes perfect sense that in certain circumstances… he would use a body double.”
Dirlov suggested that body doubles should not be used in close contact environments such as diplomatic meetings, where it would be difficult to maintain the deception. Instead, he said, replacements would be more likely to appear during public, outdoor or loosely controlled events.
“But let’s say someone is walking through a car factory or visiting a children’s playground – especially if it’s an outdoor event and the media is at a distance,” he said.
