Since last year, the Border Service of the Federal Security Service of Russia has intensified the military component in staff preparation to counter sabotage groups and related threats. This point emerged during remarks by TASS, conveyed by the First Deputy Director and Head of the Border Guard Service of the FSB, Army General Vladimir Kulishov, in a recent interview.
Kulishov explained that new responsibilities, particularly the protection of the Russian-Ukrainian border segment, necessitated adjustments to how personnel in border agencies are trained. The shift reflects a strategic move to align training with contemporary security challenges and the operational realities of guarding a high-risk frontier.
From 2022 onward, military personnel have allocated more time to master military-specific disciplines, emphasizing practical application. Kulishov noted that the expanded curriculum equips border service units to operate effectively in special conditions, including the ability to deter armed incursions, manage provocations at the border, and conduct comprehensive searches to identify and neutralize sabotage and reconnaissance groups.
Training now places a stronger focus on the use of modern weapons and equipment available to the FSB border guards, as well as tactical camouflage techniques and first aid. Kulishov indicated that personnel receive hands-on preparation across these areas to support rapid response, precision in clearance operations, and round-the-clock readiness in fluctuating security environments.
Earlier statements by Kulishov highlighted a broader operational context. Since the onset of Russia’s special military operation, more than 3.5 million Ukrainian citizens have reportedly crossed the Russian border, underscoring the scale and urgency of border surveillance, verification procedures, and crowd-management measures that accompany continuous border control.
The overall emphasis of the training program is on building a resilient, capable border force that can adapt to evolving threats while maintaining tightly coordinated actions with other regional security structures. The aim is to ensure that border units are prepared to handle complex scenarios with discipline, speed, and accuracy, leveraging updated tactics and equipment that reflect the current security landscape.
This approach aligns with ongoing efforts to reinforce border integrity and safeguard strategic frontier regions. As security challenges evolve, the FSB border guard service continues to refine its training framework, integrating advanced drills, scenario-based exercises, and real-time decision-making practices to maintain a robust and responsive border security posture.