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Dressed in dark suits and sunglasses, standing close to the Russian president, expressionless and alert, they scan every corner without uttering a word. Over the years, reports in Russian media have offered rare insight into the people trusted with protecting the country’s leader President Vladimir Putin, revealing a job with strict rules and unusual expectations.
According to these accounts, the physical standards are very specific. Anyone hoping to join the president’s immediate security team must stand between 175 and 190 centimeters tall, roughly 5'9" to 6'3", and weigh between 75 and 90 kilograms, or about 165 to 200 pounds. Candidates must also be under 35. The aim is to pick men who are large enough to appear imposing while still young enough to maintain top physical form.
Interestingly, long combat experience is not considered essential. One former officer told Russian media that the work is “nothing like military service”. In his words, “A soldier attacks. A bodyguard’s job is only to protect.” The role is said to rely heavily on “operational psychology,” meaning the ability to sense a threat early and stop it quietly before anyone realizes something was wrong.
But physical fitness is just one part of the job. Reports say the guards must also understand basic politics and speak foreign languages. This helps them judge who is approaching the president and how to handle unexpected interactions. A well-known example cited in Russian outlets is when guards politely asked Irish fighter Conor McGregor to remove his hand from Putin’s shoulder, an instance where calm but firm diplomacy mattered as much as security training.
Their preparation also includes extreme endurance. Recruits learn to work in freezing temperatures while wearing thin coats, since heavy clothing can slow them down. They also train to stay composed in high heat. Some accounts mention that certain medications may be used to help regulate the body’s reaction to stress. Off duty, they are said to be allowed to smoke, as it is viewed as a quick way to release tension, but never during training or operations.
Because of the pressure and constant alertness the job requires, their time in the role is short. Many are relieved from the position once they reach their mid-30s.
Additional protection tools are often used during high-risk events, such as temporary bulletproof shields. The security motorcade is also heavily fortified, with armoured vehicles carrying special units equipped with everything from AK-47 rifles to portable anti-air missile systems.
Former officers say one of the most important factors in the team’s success is Putin himself. With his own background in security services, he is described as a leader who understands how they work and follows their instructions closely. They say he rarely questions orders related to his protection, knowing the rules are designed to keep him safe.
For these guards, the goal is always prevention. If they ever need to pull their weapons, they believe the system has already failed. Their real skill lies in stopping danger before it begins, maintaining an invisible shield around the president while appearing simply as quiet men in suits.
