A mystery fire has destroyed part of a Russian mountain palace frequented by Vladimir Putin.
The inferno broke out at a secret hideaway that is said to be equipped with an extensive underground nuclear bunker.
The Altai Mountain bolthole also has the dictator’s facility for the ‘barbarian’ extraction of deer blood from antlers for ‘medicinal’ baths intended to boost sexual potency and restore youth.
One of the buildings at the remote compound – where Putin once entertained former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi – was totally destroyed by the fire.
The extent of any damage to the main residence at the complex is unclear.
The cause of the blaze is yet to be established, but it comes after months of ‘sabotage fires’ at key Russian facilities triggered by Ukrainian drone strikes and foes of Putin’s brutal war against Kyiv.
A mystery fire has destroyed part of a Vladimir Putin palace in the Altai Mountains
Firefighters are seen working to extinguish the blaze in the Altai Republic
Putin is seen alongside stags on his visit to the Sayano-Shushenksy reserve in 2013
Vladimir Putin’s palace in the Altai Mountains, reported to be equipped with a secret nuclear bunker
Officials refused to comment on the fire, the Sirena news outlet reported.
But pictures showed the raging flames at the sprawling compound, which is officially owned by Gazprom but is one of an array of luxury palaces around Russia used by the Russian President.
The fire was revealed by blogger Amyr Aitashev and activist Aruna Arna.
Ordinary Russians cannot go near the elite hideaway, named Altai Yard.
Security say it is ‘a specially protected facility intended for the recreation of senior officials of the state’.
But opposition investigators are certain the vast estate nestled amid stunning mountain scenery in the Altai Republic is linked to Putin.
There were reports of a hi-tech bunker being built at the facility for the use of Putin and his family in the event of nuclear war.
The palace is in the Ongudaysky district of the Altai Republic, a region of Siberia bordering Mongolia, China and Kazakhstan.
Observers have noted multiple ventilation points in the grounds surrounding the mountain hideout, and a high voltage line linked to an ultra-modern 110-kilovolt substation, enough to power a small city.
During construction, vast German tunnel diggers were reported to have been at the site.
In the complex is a maral deer farm where antlers are sawn off Siberian stags so Putin and his cronies can take blood baths.
The ancient tradition is seen as a testosterone-driven elixir to improve male potency, but also as bringing multiple health benefits.
There is also a theory it slows ageing in women, but there is a lack of medical evidence as a cure for ailments.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (C) toasts during an awarding ceremony at the Kremlin on May 30, 2024, in Moscow
Opposition investigators are certain the vast estate nestled amid stunning mountain scenery in the Altai Republic is linked to Putin
Observers have noted multiple ventilation points in the grounds surrounding the mountain hideout, and a high voltage line linked to an ultra-modern 110-kilovolt substation, enough to power a small city
Vladimir Putin’s palace in the Altai Mountains, reported to be equipped with a secret nuclear bunker
Ahead of one Putin visit 70 kilograms of stag antlers were prepared for the Russian leader ‘to take blood baths’.
Animal rights campaigners have slammed the use of electric saws with no anaesthetic to cut off the deers’ magnificent velvet antlers at such breeding stations.
Observers say the creatures are left ‘bewildered’ and ‘shellshocked’ by the brutal practice.
The Russian president is thought to have been introduced to the blood baths by his former defence minister Sergei Shoigu, who is now security of the Russian security council.
Irina Novozhilova, president of Russian Animal Protection Centre ‘Vita’, labelled the practice medieval.
‘Ancient people did believe that they could cure themselves with the help of animal body parts.
‘In medieval times people also believed in curative substances. I recall stories about bloody Countess Bathory who enjoyed taking baths in the blood of young girls.
‘And King James I of England regularly took baths with animal blood.
‘Both these facts sound wild nowadays, but you can build a parallel to these legal red deer farms.’