National Guard of Russia

The National Guard of Russia is officially known as the Federal National Guard Troops Service of the Russian Federation (). In Russia, it is officially referred to by the acronym '''''' (, can be loosely translated as 'Rusguard', an initialism for ). In Russian, the less formal acronym () is also sometimes used. == History ==

of Moscow The National Guard is a direct successor to Internal Troops of the Soviet Union (1918–1991), Internal Troops of Russia (1991–2016), OMON (1988–2016), and SOBR (1992–2016) units formerly under the control of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The establishment of the National Guard of Russia was one of the new Russian government's first and only significant actions before March 1992. At its inception, at least 11 brigades consisting of no more than 100,000 personnel were planned, each having between 3,000 and 5,000 personnel. National Guard military units were to be deployed in 10 regions, including three brigades in Moscow, two in St. Petersburg, and more in a number of other important cities and regions. At its inception, many in Moscow, mostly former Soviet Armed Forces servicemen, expressed their desire to serve in the new National Guard. The National Guard was originally intended to be a temporary measure; however, it was never dissolved. A motion titled "on the temporary position of the Russian Guard" was tabled by then-president Boris Yeltsin. Plans to create a National Guard that would be directly under the control of the president were first reported in April 2012. It would use personnel and resources belonging to the Russian Airborne Troops, Air Force, Navy and Military Police, as well as elements of Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations. The establishment of the National Guard reportedly caused contention within the Kremlin, since the new force took over duties and functions normally carried out by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. A spokesman denied that the establishment of the National Guard meant a crisis of confidence in the so-called siloviki and stated that the Federal Guard Service would retain its role. However, he did not comment on whether the then-incumbent heads of the Federal Drug Service and the Federal Migration Service, which underwent major reforms after their subordination to the Interior Ministry, would retain their posts. On 6 April 2016, Putin submitted a draft framework law for this new executive body titled "On the Russian National Guard Troops" to the State Duma, along with its corresponding amendments that contain a provision for the protection of pregnant women, children, disabled persons and crowds, which mirrored the limitations already in place in the Russian legislation concerning police work: On 9 May 2016, 400 National Guardsmen participated in the 2016 Moscow Victory Day Parade for the first time. Although the National Guard was created by Presidential Decree, a bill was not read and adopted by the State Duma for its official inception until 18 May and 22 June 2016, respectively. After being passed by the State Duma, it was then approved by the Federation Council Establishment process phases Presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the National Guard started operations before the legal basis for its work was actually finalized. According to National Guard Director Viktor Zolotov, the formation of the Russian National Guard is to take place in three stages. The first phase is the transformation of Interior Troops, OMON, and SOBR units (previously framed within the police) into National Guard units. The second step involves the elaboration of the troops' organizational and staff structure, harmonizing regulations and assigning specific tasks to each unit. The third phase envisages the completion of all organizational activities of the National Guard. During the same year, National Guardsmen from Saint Petersburg were apprehended after planting drugs on a 16-year-old. In February 2021, it was noticed that the National Guard had been used to silence pro-Navalny protests in an attempt by the Putin regime "to fend off threats to its political monopoly at any cost." 2021–present In late July 2021, the National Guard staged their first-ever operational-strategic exercise simultaneously in every Russian federal district except the North Caucasian. On 21 November 2021, it was decided to classify National Guard budget requests. Early in January and February 2022, there were reports of National Guard detachments moving to the Russia–Ukraine border and Belarus, joining the supposed "training exercise" going on during the 2021–2022 Russo-Ukrainian crisis. When Russian forces invaded Ukraine on 24 February, National Guardsmen moved into Ukrainian territory, establishing themselves in occupied cities and towns reportedly for the purpose suppressing local hostile population. The National Guard participated in combat situations with the Ukrainian military and Ukrainian National Guard. Its units were deployed in the vanguard of the initial attack, suggesting that the Russian forces were not expecting much resistance from local Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian forces destroyed and captured military columns carrying riot control equipment. On 15 March 2022, chief National Guardsman Viktor Zolotov, along with ten others in Russia's "Defense Enterprise," were sanctioned by the United States. All were added to the list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons. On 17 March, it was reported that National Guard Deputy Chief General Roman Gavrilov was fired due the operational failures of the National Guard during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. On 25 and 28 March, a BTR-80 armored personnel carrier and armored Ural military truck were destroyed and several National Guardsmen were killed by the Transcarpathian 128th Mountain Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. On 2 June, it was reported that National Guard Unit #6720 had taken part in the Bucha massacre, where at least ten of them participated in looting. "Nothing was neglected... not only financial savings, jewelry, computer or household appliances, but also of linen were established. After retreating to Belarus, the Russian occupiers sent these items by mail to their relatives in Russia." On 6 June, President Putin ordered a 5 million ruble life insurance benefit payment to the families of National Guardsmen who died in Ukraine. On 22 May 2023, it was reported that National Guardsmen would be deployed to defend Belgorod from the Freedom of Russia Legion. Since August 2023, the National Guard has been recruiting ex-Wagner convicts that served in Ukraine and have proof of their pardon. Those who have breached Article 228 of the Criminal Code of Russia, however, require special approval. On 13 November 2023, it was reported that four former inmates who fought for the Wagner Group in eastern Ukraine had been receiving calls and text messages offering them military contracts. Three of the veterans reported that the National Guard specifically was trying to recruit them. A text message said, "Wagner is officially becoming a unit of Rosgvardia...The entire structure, methods of work and commanders remain the same." Other reports indicate that former Wagner fighters have joined Chechen Akhmat units whilst still wearing Wagner patches. In September 2025, it was announced that the National Guard would create tank units. == Mission ==

, 2019 The missions of the National Guard of Russia include joint == Operations abroad ==

Until final approbation, it is not yet clear whether the National Guard will be taking part in counter-terrorism operations abroad, with different sources reporting different assessments. The law includes the possibility of using National Guard troops in international operations "to restore and maintain peace." According to pro-Ukrainian sources, National Guard units were in Donbas in May 2016 in order to prevent the desertion of Novorussian soldiers. Russian invasion of Ukraine Early in January and February 2022, there were reports of National Guard detachments moving to the Russia–Ukraine border and Belarus, joining the supposed "training exercise" during the 2021–2022 Russo-Ukrainian crisis. While in the Ukrainian city of Nova Kakhovka, National Guard forces attempted to disperse a rally by using sting ball grenades and firing into the crowd with rubber bullets, resulting in one death. On 21 March, it was reported that National Guard troops opened fire on a civilian protest in Kherson. In Chernobyl On 24 February, the National Guard, together with Russian Ground Forces, moved into the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, attacking Ukrainian forces at the Battle of Chernobyl. After Ukrainian forces withdrew, the National Guard occupied the power plant. Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Maria Zakharova claimed that the Russian National Guard was running a "joint operation" with local workers and surrendered Ukrainian soldiers to maintain the Chernobyl's containment operations. In Enerhodar After the Battle of Enerhodar, the National Guard occupied the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. In Bucha National Guard units from the Kemerovo Oblast suffered heavy casualties during the Battle of Bucha. Near Kyiv Chechen "Kadyrovite" troops nominally under the National Guard deployed in combat roles in Ukraine, fighting in the Kyiv offensive and the Siege of Mariupol, intended as a "psychological weapon against Ukrainians" and a vanguard force. Ukrainian sources claimed that the Chechen forces in Kyiv suffered "hundreds" of casualties and retreated from Kyiv on 13 March. On 28 September 2022, the Prosecutor General of Ukraine and National Police of Ukraine published CCTV footage showing National Guard personnel shooting at civilians during the battle of Hostomel. Blowback in Russia On 25 March, twelve guardsmen from Krasnodar deployed in Crimea were fired after they refused the order to cross the border on 25 February. The unit claimed that their duties were strictly limited to Russian territory, that they were not informed of possible "business trips" to Ukraine, and since they did not have their passports with them, could not enter foreign Ukrainian territory without violating Russian law. The guardsmen sued the National Guard for unfair dismissal and are appealing for reinstatement. According to their lawyer, Mikhail Benyash, after the case was publicized, almost a thousand National Guardsmen contacted him with similar cases. On 27 May, it came to light that 115 guardsmen from Nalchik, the capital of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, had similar difficulties with foreign engagements because they were hired only to police domestic troubles and did not have military training. The lawsuit, drafted by a lawyer called Andrei Sabinin, came as a surprise to reporters and was discovered only because they had appealed their case. The lawsuit was dismissed after the judge determined that the soldiers had been rightfully fired for "refusing to perform an official assignment" to fight in Ukraine and instead returned to a duty station. == Powers ==

According to news agency TASS, the National Guard has some powers similar to the functions discharged by the Federal Security Service. Specifically, the National Guard is controversially allowed to fire into crowds in a select number of situations, such as terrorist incidents, hostage situations, or if a government building secured by the National Guard comes under attack, although the soldiers are forbidden in all circumstances from shooting at pregnant women, children, or people with disabilities. In a state of emergency, the National Guard personnel have the right to ban the traffic of vehicles and pedestrians, use citizens' cars to arrive at the scene of an emergency situation or chase criminals, enter houses, and use force, special means and/or weapons. on 24 May 2017, military units and formations of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation as well as other military formations, may be transferred to the operational control of the National Guard. Within Russian presidential decree 04.06.2018 г. N 289, it is possible for the President of Russia to transfer units of the Russian military to a district commander of the National Guard. It is also possible to transfer units of the National Guard to the Russian military. The National Guard of Russia territorial units must always act together in collaboration with the Russian military and other federal and territorial bodies in accordance with federal constitution and laws, under decrees and orders of the President of the Russian Federation. All territorial unit boundaries of the National Guard must be created after a proposal of a commander of the National Guard that has previously been agreed upon with the Ministry of Defense and then approved by the President. The National Guard is, among other things, tasked with repelling aggression against the Russian Federation together with the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, and participates in the territorial defense of the Russian Federation. Evolution of the proposed powers In April 2016, the National Guard was expected to be vested with the right to request federal, state and local authorities, officials and citizens documents, reference and other materials required for decision-making on the issues referred to their spheres of activity, as well as to suspend or limit in emergency situations the use of any communications networks and communications means, and to exercise the right to the priority use of these communications networks and communications means. According to the same draft provisions, the corps cannot exercise armed force against pregnant women, disabled people and minors, except for self-defense and other exceptional situations, According to an amendment passed into the draft law, a serviceman of the National Guard has no right to use weapons in a crowded area, excluding the use of weapons in order to prevent terror attack, freeing hostages, repelling a group or armed attack on important state objects or cargos. Under similar conditions, the legislative amendments granted the National Guard the right to search individuals' vehicles. == Organization and leadership ==

and National Guard Director Viktor Zolotov, 5 April 2016 The National Guard of Russia is directly subordinated to the supreme commander-in-chief (i.e. President of Russia) with the incumbent head of this new structure included into the Security Council as a permanent member. In a major overhaul of Russia's security agencies, the National Guard which will include Interior Ministry troops, servicemen of the Russian Armed Forces, and, as proposed in 2012, Ministry of Emergency Situations personnel such as fire fighters and rescue workers consisting of both conscripts and contract personnel and will take over functions previously managed by the OMON riot police and SOBR rapid-reaction forces. In turn, the Federal Migration Service (FMS) and the Federal Drug Service (FSKN) are to be incorporated into the structure of the Interior Ministry. The National Guard was expected to number some 350,000 to 400,000 men. Top leadership . The emblem of the National Guard can be seen in an embroidered patch on his arm According to the establishing presidential decree, the National Guard is part of the executive branch, which is headed by the president of Russia. The National Guard is led by a "director," which has six deputy directors, including a first deputy director who is simultaneously Chief of Staff of the National Guard and a "state secretary/deputy director". and relieved of his previous duties—and by a separate Presidential Decree was also appointed a member of the Security Council. On 20 May 2016, newly promoted Colonel General Sergei Chenchik was appointed as Chief of the General Staff and First Deputy Director of the Russian Federal National Guard Service. General Chenchik has reportedly a significant role in the North Caucasus security system since the late 1990s; according to Valery Dzutsati, Chenchik's appointment as deputy head of the National Guard indicates that his approach to security problems is approved. According to the official website, other top positions include those of Commander of the Troops of the National Guard of the Russian Federation, held in 2016 by Oleg Borukayev and Sergei Yerygin. As of January 2022, the current organizational leadership consists of: • Viktor Zolotov, Director of the Federal Service of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation – Commander-in-Chief of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation • Viktor Strigunov, First Deputy Director of the Federal Service of the National Guard of the Russian Federation – Commander-in-Chief of the National Guard of the Russian Federation • Oleg Plokhoi, State Secretary – Deputy Director of the Federal Service of the National Guard of the Russian Federation – Commander-in-Chief of the National Guard of the Russian Federation • Yury Yashin, Chief of the General Staff of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation – Deputy Director of the Federal Service of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation – Commander-in-Chief of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation • Igor Ilyash, deputy director of the Federal Service of the National Guard of the Russian Federation – Commander-in-Chief of the National Guard of the Russian Federation • Sergei Lebedev, deputy director of the Federal Service of the National Guard of the Russian Federation – Commander-in-Chief of the National Guard of the Russian Federation • Aleksei Kuzmenkov, deputy director of the Federal Service of the National Guard of the Russian Federation – Commander-in-Chief of the National Guard of the Russian Federation • Aleksei Bezzubikov, deputy director of the Federal Service of the National Guard of the Russian Federation – Commander-in-Chief of the National Guard of the Russian Federation • Vladislav Yershov, deputy director of the Federal Service of the National Guard of the Russian Federation – Commander-in-Chief of the National Guard of the Russian Federation • Aleksandr Afinogentov, Chief of the Main Aviation Department – Chief of Aviation of the National Guard of the Russian Federation • Andrei Shatayev, Chief of the Department for Protection of Objects in the Waters of the Rosgvardiya – Commander of Naval Units of the National Guard of the Russian Federation Cyber unit According to Sergey Sukhankin of the Jamestown Foundation, the National Guard includes a special cyber security and intelligence unit tasked with monitoring and analyzing online social networks. Districts The National Guard's territorial organization consists of eight National Guard Districts, which each have the same name as their relevant Federal District counterparts. An exception is the Eastern National Guard District, which handles military units stationed in the Far Eastern Federal District. In addition, the Central and Northwestern National Guard Districts have honorific titles included in their full names. Each District can be further subdivided into Brigades and has the same boundaries, names and headquarters as those of the former Internal Troops. Police officers are appointed as heads of the National Guard Districts, while military officers are appointed as chiefs of staff. Districts of the Federal National Guard Troops Service directly operate task forces, military units and carry out the other missions of the National Guard, as well as region-level territorial units, such as main administration departments, local administration structures, other departments. • Southern National Guard District, headquartered in Rostov-on-Don under Colonel General Oleg Kozlov • North Caucasian National Guard District, headquartered in Pyatigorsk under Colonel General Sergei Zakharov • Ural National Guard District, headquartered in Yekaterinburg under Colonel General Aleksandr Popov • Siberian National Guard District, headquartered in Novosibirsk under Lieutenant General Nikolai Markov • Eastern National Guard District, headquartered in Khabarovsk under Lieutenant General Kurbonali Safarov Educational organizations The educational organizations of the National Guard operate directly under the Director of the National Guard. Moscow Presidential Cadets School The Moscow National Guard Presidential Cadets School is a pre-university specialized educational institution of the National Guard. It was opened on 2 September 2002 in the Southeast Administrative District of Moscow in the Kuzminki district. == Uniform ==

-carrying National Guard troops in the 2018 Moscow Victory Day Parade|230x230px Before their uniform reformations, some units of the National Guard wore blue variants of various Russian camouflages like Police of Russia, such as tiger stripe camouflage and KLMK, during urban policing. During military exercises, parades, and combat deployments, the National Guard uses greener versions of the aforementioned camouflage patterns plus Flora and EMR until 2021. In 2022, the standard camouflage patterns of Rosgvard are ATACS FG and ATAKA Moss (Russian domestic variant of ATACS). Rosgvard wears SURPAT on jackets occasionally. == Equipment ==

during the 2018 Moscow Victory Day Parade|225x225px The National Guard has the same equipment as the former Internal Troops. The AK-74 and AK-74M assault rifle variants are the primary service weapon of the Russian National Guard. Special operations units attached to the National Guard are armed with AS Val sub-sonic suppressed assault rifles. Other weapons include weapons against underwater sabotage forces and non-lethal weapons. On 4 August 2023, the Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a federal law giving the National Guard the right to have heavy weapons. Deliveries of tanks, artillery and mortars have reportedly started as of May 2024. The Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov stated in February 2026 that the state defense order for the National Guard was increased by almost 1,5 times over the past year. == Domestic and international reactions ==

The establishment of the Russian Federal National Guard Service triggered several domestic and international reactions and assessments, with attempts to interpret and explain the move, ranging from power games On the other hand, Communist MP Vyacheslav Tetekin said that the Communist Party of the Russian Federation does see a link between the move and the bad conditions of the Russian economy; that "[National Guard] forces have little real role fighting crime or terrorism; they are public security forces, riot and insurrection control and deterrence assets." a Moscow-based political analyst and journalist with the Carnegie Moscow Center, said this new force was "linked to the election cycle" and that "Putin wants to make sure the situation that took place on the Maidan, in Ukraine, won't happen in Russia." Ella Paneyakh, senior researcher for the Department of Political science and Sociology at the European University at Saint Petersburg, said that this new National Guard force was not just another law enforcement agency, but another army that had the right to conduct military operations against the country's citizens. who heads the Center for Political Technologies (CPT) in France, in commenting on Viktor Zolotov's appointment to head the National Guard said: "The unnecessary link, that of a minister between the commander-in-chief and the head of the National Guard is removed. Whoever the minister is, a brother, friend, classmate or judo coach, his hand may tremble when you need him to execute an order. Zolotov is protected from those fluctuations as much as possible." Official comments of Vladimir Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a televised debate, denied any mistrust in the National Guard, saying that the Guard's direct subordination to the President comes from the fact that they have the authority of a ministry, and as a power ministry, it reports to the President. == Media ==

The National Guard of Russia has published the full-color magazine In the Line of Duty for their troops since 1958. It is stated to cover matters of the corps' service activity, as well as history and literature. The media is not allowed to report on the location of National Guard soldiers, in order to "protect the safety of the troops and their families." == See also ==