Russian President Vladimir Putin has expanded the elite security unit responsible for his protection, increasing its central staff from 785 to 812 officers amid heightened security concerns during the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The latest increase, which took effect on Wednesday, marks the fourth expansion of the Federal Protective Service (FSO) since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The FSO is responsible for protecting the Russian president, senior government officials, key state facilities, official residences and secure government communications. It also provides security for members of Putin’s family and close associates. The agency is estimated to employ more than 50,000 personnel nationwide.
According to reports, security measures surrounding the Kremlin have become significantly stricter during the war. Independent Russian media have suggested the FSO’s influence has grown substantially, making it one of the country’s most powerful security institutions.
Media reports citing European intelligence assessments claim the tighter security reflects concerns over threats posed by long-range Ukrainian drone attacks, as well as fears of possible internal security risks.
Reported measures include restrictions on the use of mobile phones and internet-connected devices by personnel working close to Putin, bans on public transport for members of his security team, and enhanced security systems installed in their homes. Some reports have also claimed officials are required to remove wristwatches while in the president’s presence.
The FSO has long served as a pathway to senior government positions. One of its former officers, Alexey Dyumin, went on to command Russia’s Special Operations Forces before serving as deputy defence minister and later secretary of Russia’s State Council.
Despite its reputation, the agency has previously faced criticism over security lapses. In 2024, media investigations reportedly used publicly available fitness-tracking data uploaded by FSO personnel to identify locations linked to President Putin and monitor the movements of his security detail ahead of high-profile meetings.
The announcement comes as fighting between Russia and Ukraine continues to intensify.
On Thursday, Russian missile and drone attacks struck Kyiv, with Ukrainian officials reporting at least 10 people killed and dozens injured after residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure were hit.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier cut short an official visit to Ireland after receiving intelligence warnings of a possible large-scale Russian attack on the capital.
