Kathmandu, May 31: Russian President Vladimir Putin’s house in the Altai Mountains of Siberia has been destroyed by a fire, the cause of which remains a mystery. There are suspicions and claims that Ukraine might be responsible for the fire, given the ongoing conflict and the destruction Russia has caused in Ukraine.

The house, known for its opulence and secrecy, was reportedly a place where Putin met with former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. The complex is officially owned by Gazprom, the Russian state-controlled energy giant that manages many luxury properties in Russia. The extent of the damage inside the house is unclear, but the fire was described as severe.

The initial news about the fire was reported by blogger Amir Aitashev. Attempts to get an official statement from Putin’s team by Russia’s Sirena News have gone unanswered. The area around the house is heavily guarded, making it difficult for ordinary citizens to access the location.

The property includes a high-tech bunker designed to protect Putin and his family in the event of a nuclear war. Located in the Ongudaysky District of the Altai Republic, the house is near the borders of Mongolia, China, and Kazakhstan. The site has numerous ventilation points and a dedicated 110-kilovolt substation to supply electricity. Large German excavators were brought in during construction, indicating significant underground facilities. The property also features a deer farm.

Despite the tight security and advanced infrastructure, the cause of the fire remains unknown, and the incident has raised questions about security and the possibility of external sabotage.