Putin grants FSB sweeping new powers amid growing unease in Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin has given the Federal Security Service (FSB) broader authority in an apparent bid to shore up his grip on power as concern grows within the country's elite over the war in Ukraine. Bloomberg reports the FSB's influence is rising sharply while other officials are losing sway.
As Russia's invasion of Ukraine approaches its fifth year, Ukrainian forces continue to resist the occupiers, while Moscow tries to seize as much territory as possible to secure favorable peace terms, even as allies work urgently to bring the war to an end.
Against this backdrop, President Vladimir Putin has granted the Federal Security Service (FSB) considerably wider latitude to act, according to the Lithuanian outlet Lrytas, citing Bloomberg. The move appears aimed at helping Putin preserve his hold on power at a time of rising anxiety over the course of the war.
Elite concern
According to information obtained by Bloomberg, part of Russia's elite is increasingly worried that the security service is becoming uncontrollable. Putin previously governed by balancing influence between hardliners in the security apparatus and more moderate officials. Now, sources cited by the agency say he consistently backs those pushing for tighter control over society and business.
An FSB unit with broad authority
The FSB's Second Service, responsible for protecting the constitutional order, has been granted the power to investigate virtually anyone's activities and is effectively accountable to no one else, according to three sources cited by the agency.
At the same time, as the FSB's influence expands with no apparent limits, other senior officials are losing sway — among them Sergei Kiriyenko, the Kremlin's first deputy chief of staff overseeing domestic policy.
Moscow blast reinforces the trend
The agency notes that last Friday's explosion at the Balzi Rossi restaurant in Moscow has likely further strengthened the FSB's position in debates over tightening security measures. This has effectively stripped other officials of the ability to push back against intensifying repression, which in turn could erode public support for Putin.
