Putin expands his security service staff for fourth time since full-scale invasion

Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has signed a decree increasing the number of staff at the headquarters of Russia's Federal Protective Service (FSO), the fourth such increase since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Source: The Moscow Times

Details: Under the decree, the authorised number of employees at the FSO's headquarters has increased from 785 to 812. The previous increase was approved on 1 January 2025.

Before that, Putin had increased the service's staff on 1 January 2024, bringing it to 775 employees, and then at the end of 2022, reducing it to 760.

Before the full-scale war, the FSO's central office had not been expanded for almost 13 years.

For reference: The FSO is a secretive security agency responsible for protecting Russia's top officials, including the president, the prime minister, the speakers of the two houses of parliament, the heads of the highest courts and the prosecutor general.

Its structure includes Putin's personal security detail, which accompanies him on trips and guards his residences. The FSO is also responsible for secure communications and monitors public opinion.

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