Russia reportedly steps up security around state TV propagandists after Ukrainian strikes
Russian authorities have reportedly increased security measures for state television executives and hosts following Ukrainian attacks on Russian military personnel and propagandists, according to investigative outlet Agentstvo.
Nikolai Zolotov, head of Russia's National Guard, reportedly recommended that management at one national TV network arrange protection for its staff, an employee at the network told Agentstvo. The source said the National Guard now accompanies "practically all the TV bosses." The arrangement is not universally welcomed, since the added security also brings constant monitoring of those being protected.
Television hosts have received similar recommendations. One host reportedly showed up to his own birthday party in Moscow accompanied by a security vehicle, according to an anonymous guest who attended the celebration.
A third source told Agentstvo that National Guard protection for television executives had already existed before this latest development, but confirmed that such measures have recently been intensified.
Wider pattern of stepped-up protection
According to Agentstvo, enhanced security from the Federal Protective Service (FSO) has also been assigned to Ilya Medvedev, son of Dmitry Medvedev, who serves as deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council.
The outlet reports that security around pro-Kremlin television figures began tightening as far back as the early months of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, though at that time protection was limited mainly to the most prominent on-air personalities.
Separately, in late August, Vladimir Putin authorized an increase in FSO staffing at its central office to 812 people — the fourth such expansion since the war began.
