From Nuclear Briefcase to Stool Case: Putin’s Guard

New Delhi Wherever Russian President Vladimir Putin travels, an elite security team follows him like a shadow, carrying an assortment of mysterious briefcases. These range from the infamous nuclear command case, often called the “nuclear suitcase,” to something far more unusual — a case designed to discreetly collect and secure his bodily waste. Together, they illustrate the extraordinary lengths to which Russia goes to shield its leader, not only from physical threats but also from potential intelligence risks.

The nuclear briefcase, known in Russia as the Cheget, has long been a symbol of power. Similar to the American “football” carried for U.S. presidents, the case provides Putin with immediate access to Russia’s strategic arsenal, allowing him to authorize a nuclear launch from virtually anywhere. This briefcase is always within arm’s reach of Putin’s trusted bodyguards, forming part of his constant protective bubble. Its presence underscores the heavy responsibility that rests with the Russian head of state, especially at a time when global nuclear tensions remain high.

But it is the lesser-known “stool case” that captures public curiosity. According to multiple reports, Putin’s security team ensures that any biological samples — including urine or feces — produced during his foreign visits are collected, stored, and transported back to Russia. The purpose is simple yet unusual: preventing foreign intelligence agencies from gaining access to DNA or medical information that could reveal insights into Putin’s health. In the world of high-stakes geopolitics, even such private details are considered potential national security secrets.

Putin’s bodyguards, many of whom belong to the highly trained Federal Protective Service (FSO), operate with military precision. They maintain strict control over his environment, from food tasting to managing physical proximity. The briefcases they carry are part of a larger security protocol designed not just to prevent assassination attempts but also to ensure no vulnerabilities are exposed. In addition to the nuclear and biological cases, some suitcases reportedly contain advanced communication devices and portable protective equipment.

Such extreme measures reflect Russia’s deep mistrust of foreign powers. Intelligence gathering has historically extended into unconventional areas, and leaders like Putin are acutely aware of how even medical vulnerabilities could be exploited. By controlling every aspect of his environment, Putin projects both secrecy and strength, reinforcing the image of a leader who is untouchable and ever-prepared.

For ordinary people, the idea of a “stool briefcase” may sound bizarre, even comical. Yet, for Putin’s security apparatus, it is deadly serious. Protecting the Russian president is not just about shielding him from bullets or bombs but about safeguarding every piece of information that could tip the scales in the geopolitical chessboard.

The sight of Putin’s security entourage, moving in synchronized formation with their carefully guarded cases, has become emblematic of his presidency. While much about his personal life remains shrouded in mystery, these suitcases — one symbolizing global destruction, another representing personal privacy — serve as reminders of the strange and secretive world surrounding one of the world’s most powerful leaders.