Blast in Putin’s luxury limo near FSB HQ sparks assassination fears

The explosion comes at a time of increased speculation about threats within Putin’s inner circle.

A luxury limousine from Russian President Vladimir Putin’s official car fleet exploded in central Moscow, sparking renewed concerns about his security, The Sun reported. The incident has intensified fears of internal threats within the Kremlin. A video of the burning limo has surfaced online, showing thick black smoke billowing from the vehicle.

The explosion occurred just days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested that Russia could suffer a major setback in the war and amid rumors surrounding Putin’s health, The Sun noted. Zelensky also made a bold claim regarding Putin’s fate, stating, “Vladimir Putin will die soon,” calling it a “fact,” as per a report by The Mirror. He further urged the United States to maintain pressure on Moscow.

The £275,000 Aurus Senat limousine, a hallmark of Russia’s political elite, was engulfed in flames near the FSB headquarters in Lubyanka. Witnesses reported that the fire started in the engine before spreading inside the vehicle. People at nearby restaurants rushed to assist before emergency crews arrived. While the exact cause of the explosion remains unclear, no injuries have been reported so far, The Sun stated.

JUST IN: Luxury limousine from Russian President Putin's official motorcade exploded on the streets of Moscow, just blocks from the FSB headquarters.It's unclear if this is an attempted ass*ssination attempt pic.twitter.com/Da4tcUoZEU
BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) March 29, 2025

The luxury limousine is reportedly managed by the Presidential Property Department, responsible for Putin’s transport. However, it remains uncertain who was inside the vehicle at the time of the blast.

Putin, 72, frequently uses these Russian-made limos and has gifted them to allies, including North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The explosion comes at a time of increased speculation about threats within Putin’s inner circle.

Security measures around the Russian president have intensified in recent months. According to The Sun, in Murmansk, ceremonial guards were subjected to body searches by Federal Protection Service (FSO) officers—a sign of Putin’s deep-seated fears. A former bodyguard told a Russian broadcaster, “This is how much he fears for his life,” emphasizing that Putin does not trust even his closest staff members.

FSO agents have been observed inspecting garbage bins and sewer covers near the president’s speaking sites, while reports suggest that Putin wears bulletproof vests during public appearances. “He is protected by a whole army of visible and invisible guards,” a Kremlin source told The Sun.