The images circulated on Telegram, shared by the Sirena media channel and by activists Amyr Aitashev and activist Aruna Arna. The building engulfed in flames and completely destroyed is part of an area in the Altai region, owned by the state energy giant Gazprom. According to media reports, it would be one of the palaces that make up Vladimir Putin’s secret dacha, a mega villa used by the president in an unofficial manner. In 2011 it was the headline Novaya Gazeta to talk about the existence of this residence. The reporters tried to enter but were repelled by security personnel who informed them of the “special surveillance” reserved for the area, intended to host high-ranking Russian officials. Gazprom, owner of the Altajskoye podvore hotel facility, confirmed that the building complex is used for “meetings with business partners, corporate events and for the reception of foreign guests.” Local opposition members repeatedly claimed to have seen the presidential helicopter land near the dacha, especially during the pandemic. The dacha is located at the confluence of the Ursul and Katun rivers and enjoys a temperate climate, in winter there is little snow and already from March the temperatures do not drop below zero. Sirena, who is said to be linked to the anti-corruption foundation of the opponent Alexei Navalny who died last February, reports that according to Aitashev the then Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was hosted by Putin in this very villa. No confirmation has come from the Ministry of Emergencies that the structure is linked in any way to the president.
