Putin once again increased the staff of the service responsible for his protection
Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again increased the maximum staffing of the central apparatus of the Federal Protection Service of Russia. This is the fourth expansion since the start of the full-scale war against Ukraine of the structure responsible, among other things, for the security of Putin himself.
According to the decree signed on August 31, the number of military personnel and federal state civil servants in the FSO's central apparatus increases from 785 to 812 — by 27 employees, or about 3.4%.
The new maximum staffing takes effect on July 1, 2026. The reasons for yet another expansion of the central apparatus are not given in the document.
The FSO is responsible for the state protection of Russia's top officials, including the president, prime minister and heads of parliament chambers. The service includes units that directly ensure the security of Putin, his residences and travels. In addition, the agency handles special communications and protection of state facilities.
Staffing increased for the fourth time
Before the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the maximum staffing of the FSO's central apparatus was 725 people. At the end of 2022 it was raised to 760 employees.
The next expansion took place from January 1, 2024 — to 775 people. A year later, from January 1, 2025, the limit was raised to 785 employees. Now it has grown to 812.
Thus, since the start of the full-scale war, the FSO's central apparatus has increased by 87 people, or about 12%. The Moscow Times notes that before the war its size had not been expanded for nearly 13 years.
This concerns specifically the central apparatus of the agency, not the entire Federal Protection Service. The full size of the FSO is not publicly disclosed.
Putin's security was previously strengthened
The expansion comes amid reports of stepped-up security measures around the Russian president. Earlier, Financial Times, citing informed sources, wrote that Russian special services tightened protection of Putin due to fears of a possible assassination attempt, including with the use of drones.
According to the publication, screening of people before meetings with the Russian president has become stricter, and during foreign trips his security is provided by reinforced escort groups and electronic warfare assets.
The decree increasing the FSO's staffing, however, does not link the personnel expansion to any specific threats to Putin's security and does not explain what units the additional staff positions are intended for.
Based on materials from: The Moscow Times, official internet portal of legal information of the RF
