Russia Reportedly Bans Wristwatches During One-on-One Meetings With Putin

Russia’s security protocols surrounding President Vladimir Putin appear to have become even more restrictive, following reports that visitors are no longer allowed to wear wristwatches during private meetings with the Russian leader.

According to reports, Russia’s Federal Protective Service of Russia has introduced a new rule requiring officials and visitors to remove both electronic and mechanical wristwatches before attending one-on-one meetings with Putin.

The development is being viewed as another layer of tight security measures already associated with high-level meetings involving the Kremlin leader.

Observers reportedly began noticing the unusual pattern after several Russian officials who are commonly seen wearing watches appeared without them during official meetings with Putin.

Among those highlighted was Yevgeny Pervyshov, head of Tambov Oblast, who was reportedly seen attending a meeting with Putin without a watch, despite regularly wearing one in public appearances, daily activities, and previous official engagements, including speeches at the Russian parliament.

Another example cited was Artyom Zdunov, head of the Republic of Mordovia, who also reportedly appeared without a wristwatch during his meeting with the Russian president.

One of the most notable cases involved Sergey Kogogin, general director of truck manufacturer KamAZ. During a Kremlin meeting with Putin, official footage released by the presidential press service reportedly showed both of Kogogin’s wrists free of any watch or wearable accessory.

This stood in contrast to earlier appearances, including a 2025 meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, where Kogogin was visibly wearing a wristwatch.

A journalist familiar with KamAZ was also reported to have confirmed that Kogogin typically wears a watch in everyday life. Sources cited in the reports claim the new security restrictions may be linked to concerns over modern wearable technology, surveillance risks, or other undisclosed security considerations.

In addition to watches, visitors are also reportedly required to surrender their mobile phones before entering meetings with Putin.

However, reports suggest that these tighter rules may not apply equally to everyone. According to sources, members of Putin’s inner circle and long-time associates are allegedly exempt from some of these restrictions, including the watch ban.

This means while most officials must now remove personal devices and accessories before meetings, individuals considered part of the president’s trusted network may face fewer limitations.

The reported policy has sparked online discussion and speculation about the increasingly strict and highly controlled nature of presidential access in Russia.

Putin has long been known for operating under extensive security arrangements, particularly in recent years amid heightened geopolitical tensions and internal security concerns.

While Russian authorities have not publicly issued a formal explanation for the reported wristwatch restriction, the move reflects the Kremlin’s continued emphasis on strict access control and personal security around the president.

As security protocols evolve, even small personal items such as watches now appear to be part of Russia’s broader risk management strategy when it comes to face-to-face interactions with one of the world’s most heavily guarded leaders.