Putin Expands Security Apparatus for Fourth Time Since Ukraine Invasion Began

Vladimir Putin has approved a fourth expansion of Russia’s Federal Protective Service since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. The decree raises the maximum staff of the service’s central apparatus from 785 to 812 employees.

The previous increase took effect on Jan. 1, 2025, when the limit rose to 785. Earlier expansions raised staffing to 775 on Jan. 1, 2024, and from 725 to 760 at the end of 2022. Before the war, the central apparatus had not grown for almost 13 years, according to The Moscow Times.

The Federal Protective Service, known as the FSO, is a secretive security agency responsible for protecting Russia’s senior officials. Its duties cover the president, prime minister, parliamentary leaders, heads of the highest courts and the prosecutor general. The service also includes Putin’s personal guard, which accompanies him on trips and protects residences and other facilities. It handles secure communications and monitors public opinion as well.

The article says the FSO’s role has expanded substantially since the war began. An investigation by Important Stories described it as an independent center of influence because of its constant access to Putin and information about senior officials.

The Financial Times reported that security measures around Putin have intensified in recent months amid Kremlin fears of an assassination attempt, including one involving drones, or a coup attempt. Those fears reportedly increased after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Putin has consequently reduced his travel, while screening has become stricter for people who meet him.

During an official visit to Kazakhstan in late May, his motorcade included an armored vehicle with a roof-mounted machine gun, a car equipped with electronic-warfare systems and a helicopter. The Financial Times also reported that Putin and his family have nearly stopped appearing at residences in Moscow and Valdai, instead spending weeks in bunkers, including in the Krasnodar region.