In Moscow's Shadows In Moscow's Shadows 156: Are Putin's Praetorians up to the challenges of the future?
Jul 21, 2024
Exploring the challenges faced by Russia's National Guard, Rosgvardiya, in maintaining public order and handling protests, with a focus on their involvement in the Ukraine war. The podcast discusses recruitment struggles, power struggles within the organization, and the impact on morale and sponsorship difficulties.
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Rosgvardiya's Formation
- The Rosgvardiya was formed in 2016, separate from the Interior Ministry, to control public order.
- This was due to Kremlin paranoia and distrust of the police who were uneasy with increasing repression.
Rosgvardiya's True Size
- The Rosgvardiya has 360-380,000 personnel, but half are unarmed security guards within Okhrana.
- Okhrana, the Rosgvardiya's private security branch, expands aggressively through protection racketeering.
Rosgvardiya's Role in Ukraine
- The Rosgvardiya's failure to respond effectively to the Wagner mutiny and its new heavy weaponry have drawn attention.
- The weaponry, however, seems mainly for the 116th Operational Brigade, pacifying occupied Ukrainian territories.