Putin's Sochi residence undergoes massive reconstruction under secret defense contract

An investigation by BBC Russian Service reveals that construction is nearing completion on a new, significantly larger complex at Vladimir Putin’s official Sochi residence, Bocharov Ruchey. The project is being carried out under a secret state defense contract issued by the Federal Security Service (FSO) for the period of 2023–2027.

Satellite imagery from autumn 2026 shows the new structures occupy a much larger footprint than the original buildings, which were demolished starting in 2024. While the southern Bocharov Ruchey-2 building used for hosting high-ranking guests remains, the main area has undergone extensive reconstruction. The general contractor, Transstroyinvest Group (GK TSI), is a firm registered in annexed Crimea and is reportedly linked to associates of the Russian president.

Construction details included recruitment through online portals, initially requiring Russian citizenship before expanding to citizens of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. The project has faced legal disputes between the general contractor and subcontractors regarding construction defects and schedule delays. In 2026, the FSO also moved to establish a security zone exceeding three square kilometers around the residence.

Despite the expansion, Putin’s visits to Sochi have decreased significantly since the start of the war, coinciding with increased Ukrainian drone activity near the Black Sea coast.