Putin ceases regular Sochi flights due to drone attack fears
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has halted flights to Sochi due to fears for his safety following drone attacks on facilities in the city, the Russian publication Agency reported, citing sources on Oct. 7.
Putin last visited the southern resort city of Sochi seven months ago, with his only meeting there in 2024 occurring on March 6 with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, according to the publication. Since then, he has not been seen on the Black Sea coast of the Krasnodar Territory, despite previously spending much of spring and autumn in Sochi.
In 2023, Putin spent a record low amount of time at his Bocharov Ruchy residence, officially staying in Sochi for only eight days, compared to over 30 days annually before the COVID-19 pandemic. His most frequent visits occurred in May, September, October, and November.
The publication noted that Ukrainian drones began flying over Sochi in September-October 2023, with a drone reportedly crashing at Sochi airport on Oct. 1, damaging a helipad. The Russian Ministry of Defense also confirmed another attack on Oct. 14. Between these incidents, Putin flew to Sochi for a meeting with Aslan Bzhania, head of the Russian-occupied Abkhazia, and spoke at a plenary session of the Valdai Club.
Russian officials have observed a change in Putin's behavior regarding his time in Sochi, expressing surprise at no longer receiving invitations to meetings in Krasnodar Oblast, the journalists reported.
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