Vladimir Putin appears to govern from multiple disguised offices, according to a recent investigation by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Sistema project, published on November 16, 2025.The investigation reveals that Putin operates from at least three nearly identical offices located at Novo-Ogaryovo near Moscow, in Sochi, and at Valdai.These offices feature identical furniture, beige color schemes, and Russian flags behind his desk, creating a convincing illusion of a single, consistent location.Researchers analyzed over 700 Kremlin videos and discovered many instances where appearances claimed he was at Novo-Ogaryovo; however, evidence showed he was actually at Valdai, which is about 250 miles northwest of Moscow.Leaked schedules of state TV crews confirmed travel to Sochi and Valdai on days when official captions placed him near Moscow.Putin’s use of multiple offices is believed to be a deliberate strategy to deceive the public about his true location and control over Russia’s leadership.Since the start of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, Putin has rarely been seen at his main estate, Novo-Ogaryovo.Instead, he primarily stays at Valdai, a fortified lakeside complex nestled among forests which provides enhanced security from threats like drones.His seaside residence in Sochi, once his main retreat, is now used less often but remains part of the network of secure locations.Construction of these replicas began around 2015 for Novo-Ogaryovo, with copies in Valdai completed by 2018 and in Sochi by 2020.These replicas serve to reinforce the illusion of a singular seat of power.Russian opposition politician Maxim Katz stated that Putin’s obsession with personal security, rooted in his KGB background, necessitates multiple identical rooms to minimize risks.Katz explained that Putin is extremely cautious about his safety, avoiding gatherings close to front lines and limiting exposure to possible threats, as evidenced during the COVID-19 pandemic when he favored long-distance meetings and physical distancing.Overall, Putin’s secretive and security-oriented approach highlights his focus on avoiding danger and maintaining a controlled public image, especially amid ongoing conflicts and threats.