The Rise of the Russian National Guard: A Shift Towards an Armed Internal Force Under Putin’s Command
A recent bill in the Russian State Duma seeks to enhance the capabilities of the National Guard (Rosgvardiya) by allowing it to acquire heavy military equipment. This transformation could establish Rosgvardiya as a second army under President Putin’s command, following the fallout from the Wagner Private Military Company’s uprising. The amendments aim to provide Rosgvardiya with the same arsenal as the regular military, increasing its power and operational scope significantly.
The introduction of a new bill in the Russian State Duma proposes substantial amendments to the operational capabilities of the National Guard of Russia, known as Rosgvardiya, possibly transforming it into a second army under President Vladimir Putin’s directive. Established in 2016 and initially positioned as a counter-terrorism and public order unit, Rosgvardiya’s functions have included border protection and internal security duties. Following the recent Wagner uprising, there are increasing concerns that this force could serve as an armed extension of Putin’s authority, especially considering that Russian military experts believe the amendments would allow for the acquisition of heavy military equipment, including tanks and aircraft. This legislative change is significant, as it indicates a potential shift in the balance of military power within Russia, equipping Rosgvardiya with armaments traditionally reserved for conventional military forces, thus enhancing its operational capabilities significantly. The amendments seek to formalize the capability of the National Guard to receive extensive military hardware, thereby enabling the agency—which consists of approximately 340,000 personnel—to equip itself with the same types of weaponry as the regular military. The modifications to the relevant legislation would replace vague terminologies related to military equipment, allowing Rosgvardiya to access a variety of arms and vehicles readily. The leadership of the National Guard, particularly Viktor Zolotov, has been a vocal advocate for this legislative shift, claiming that it is necessary for public security and civil servant protection during violent incidents. The impending changes, if passed, would represent a fundamental transformation in the Russian military landscape, enhancing the state’s internal enforcement capabilities at the potential expense of conventional military structures.
The Russian National Guard, or Rosgvardiya, was established in 2016 following a decree by President Vladimir Putin. This internal military unit was created ostensibly to combat organized crime and terrorism while ensuring public order. Although smaller than the regular armed forces, it has since played a crucial role in the domestic security apparatus and is directly subordinate to the Russian President. Notably, Rosgvardiya’s initial mission reflected a need for robust internal control amidst perceptions of instability within the country. Following the Wagner uprising, which highlighted vulnerabilities within Putin’s existing military partnerships, speculation about Rosgvardiya’s evolving role has increased, suggesting it may replace private military companies as the mechanism for enforcing state power.
The proposed legislative amendments to empower the Russian National Guard signal a potential reconfiguration in the dynamics of military authority within Russia. The ability to procure and utilize military-grade equipment represents a significant expansion of Rosgvardiya’s operational jurisdiction, ostensibly positioning it as a formidable apparatus for maintaining internal security under direct presidential control. This strategic shift could have profound implications on how power is wielded domestically, as it aligns military capabilities closer to the Kremlin’s interests while minimizing reliance on external paramilitary forces.
Original Source: worldcrunch.com
