Putin Strengthens FSB Role to Control Russian Elites - Bloomberg
Against the backdrop of a protracted war and economic problems, the Kremlin is increasingly relying on the security services. Representatives of the Russian elite fear that the FSB has been granted virtually unlimited powers.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expanding the influence of the Federal Security Service, entrusting it with maintaining control over the ruling elites, business, and society amid growing discontent with the war against Ukraine.
This was reported by Bloomberg, citing sources close to the Kremlin and the Russian government.
According to them, Putin previously sought to maintain a balance between the security services and economic bloc officials. Now, he increasingly supports proponents of tighter control, while other Kremlin factions are losing influence.
Special powers have reportedly been granted to the Second Service of the FSB, responsible for counter-terrorism and protection of the political regime. According to the agency, it can initiate investigations against politicians, entrepreneurs, scientists, and cultural figures without adequate external oversight.
Bloomberg points to the case against Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov as an example of intensified repression. The Russian authorities have accused him of facilitating terrorism amid attempts to restrict the messaging service.
Durov stated that the persecution is linked to his refusal to comply with Russian authorities' demands for mass surveillance and censorship. At the same time, some Kremlin officials fear that blocking the popular messenger could provoke discontent ahead of the September parliamentary elections.
Even figures loyal to the government are facing pressure. Former pro-Kremlin blogger Ilya Remeslo was arrested after criticizing Putin for allegedly spreading false information about the army and placed in a psychiatric clinic. Anti-war politician Boris Nadezhdin, previously barred from the presidential election, left Russia after being labeled a "foreign agent."
The repressive campaign has also engulfed business. Investigators and prosecutors are seizing the assets of entrepreneurs, redistributing property to individuals loyal to the authorities. Scientists, including physicists and aerospace specialists, are being prosecuted for treason for participating in international events previously approved by the state itself.
The strengthening of the FSB comes as the effects of the war are being felt on Russian territory. Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries, defense enterprises, and logistics centers undermine Kremlin claims of full control over the situation. At the same time, the Russian economy is under strain from military spending, high interest rates, sanctions, and weak growth.
According to Bloomberg, Russian elites are increasingly concerned about the authorities' inability to deal with the accumulated problems. However, there are no signs that Putin is ready to change course or ease repression.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not respond to the agency's inquiry about the expansion of the FSB's powers.
Source: Bloomberg
