Russian President Vladimir Putin has enhanced his National Guard with an elite special forces unit and provided them with tanks, warplanes, and artillery, intending to safeguard himself against future rebellions. The decision to bolster the National Guard, reporting directly to Putin and previously designed to quell anti-government protests, comes in the wake of concerns about the loyalty of his security services following the Wagner mutiny. The move is seen as an attempt to render the Kremlin “coup-proof”.
Key Points:
- Putin has added the Interior Ministry’s 7,000-strong Grom special forces unit to his National Guard, which consists of 320,000 men and reports directly to him.
- Tanks, warplanes, and artillery have been integrated into the National Guard, which analysts liken to a “Praetorian Guard” – a reference to the elite Roman imperial bodyguards.
- The adjustments to the National Guard’s status were approved by Russia earlier this week, allowing it to be equipped with “military equipment” to counteract “illegal armed groups.”
- The decision to reinforce the National Guard’s strength and capabilities reflects Putin’s concerns about potential domestic challenges to his rule after the Wagner rebellion.
- Putin’s efforts to strengthen the National Guard also aim to attract former Wagner fighters who are unwilling to join other mercenaries in exile in Belarus.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/putin-national-guard-elite-special-forces-prevent-coup-report-2023-7
