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pravda.ru
July 23, 2004
Kremlin provides absolute security for top officials
It is not ruled out that the Russian president will soon fly to work by helicopter

The Central Clinical Hospital, known for the Russian initials as CKB, has always been the place where foreign guess of the Communist Party stayed for treatment - the elite of all communist parties of the world. Doctors often prescribed them to rest in the Crimea, in the Caucasus, or in the Moscow region. The hospital has a special block for the Russian president, which was previously meant for secretaries general of the communist party. It is a large three-room suite, where the president can work and hold meetings. According to world standards, the inviting side should provide high-quality medical aid to a foreign leader in case of an accident, or unforeseen circumstances. The top official's motorcade should be escorted with an ambulance vehicle. ER doctors have specific instructions: if something happens, they will take a guest to the CKB for the medical aid and 24-hours care.

A threat for the president

In the event a dangerous emergency occurs, a special helicopter is always prepared to take off. In this case the security service will use a plan to guarantee security to the president. According to the plan, the president can leave the Kremlin territory not only by helicopter, but also by any other transport. There are several state objects, from where the president will be able to rule the country in a state of emergency. In Stalin's times, such an object was situated in the city of Samara. It was Samara, where the Soviet government was evacuated to, when fascist Germany attacked the USSR. The long-lasting Cold War years made it possible to organize and build shelters and security for any scenario. Such centers were built not only in Samara, but in other cities too, and they are always ready to be used.

The presidential garage

There are not less than 150 cars in the Kremlin. There are Mercedes, ZIL, Volkswagen, Volvo and other cars among them. Needless to mention, Kremlin drivers are perfect with their driving skills. In addition, they are professional shooters.

The Kremlin garage is always half-opened. Three cars usually escort the president's limousine. The security service chief sits next to the driver. They wash and examine the president's car after every drive. All cars in the Kremlin garage are meticulously examined daily. They are tested twice a month. All cars are polished once a week. This work is entrusted only to women.

The motorcade

The Russian president drives a custom-made Mercedes. It takes a year or even longer for the limousine to be ready - the company receives VIP orders from all over the world. Presidents usually have two limousines - one of them is meant to be used in case of emergency.

The president does not drive only limos. A minivan is often used too. Usually, the presidential motorcade consists of five cars. The central car is escorted by two security vehicles; there is a communication car and a reserve car. The presidential car can be escorted by SUV vehicles too.

The Kremlin is currently considering the opportunity about a special helicopter, which the president would use to fly to work, as it is practiced in Washington. However, there is a big lawn next to the White House. In the Kremlin, there are churches instead. Helicopter's engine noise and wind from propeller blades may cause irretrievable damage to historical monuments and values of the Kremlin.