However, it’s not the ‘first circle’ guards that are the most important, but the second – unlike the first, they are totally inconspicuous in the crowd, dressed formally and behaving discreetly, they are searching for potential attackers. The ‘third circle’ encircles the perimeter of the crowd, preventing suspicious persons from being in the president’s proximity. The ‘fourth circle’ are snipers situated on the roofs of the surrounding buildings. That’s why it’s dangerous to run, scream, make hasty movements near the president – you’ll get a red dot on your head in seconds.
Also, during the president’s appearance in wide public spaces, additional protective equipment might be installed. In this video of Vladimir Putin honoring the late mayor of St. Petersburg Anatoliy Sobchak by laying flowers to his monument, you can see the bulletproof glass screens behind the president’s back, installed especially for the occasion.