The reported order for the Russian National Guard units to revert their weapons to a standard, unmodified state proved to be genuine. A statement from State Duma deputy Alexander Khinshtein indicated that the directive was canceled because it lacked justification.
Specifically, the document described how small arms should be stored without any additional equipment intended to boost combat readiness. The directive instructed that weapons be kept in arms depots in the standard configuration used for hand held military firearms.
During an inspection conducted under the guidance of the National Guard leadership, it was found that the order originated from a commander of one division within the National Guard. The top command subsequently blocked the move. The commander’s actions will be reviewed separately, according to Khinshtein.
Parliament members noted that although this division is not taking part in the ongoing special military operation in Ukraine, backing the service members who wanted to adjust their weapons would have been sensible. The discussion has prompted a broader look at how equipment is managed across units.
Khinshtein emphasized that this appears to be an isolated misstep and that the swift response from the Russian Guard demonstrates discipline at the top levels. There is a sense that quick action prevented a broader issue from developing, a point echoed by multiple lawmakers who have followed the case.
Earlier, President Vladimir Putin stressed the importance of preventing unauthorized movement of weapons across Russia and ensuring tight controls at all entry points. This incident adds to the ongoing conversation about maintaining strict inventory discipline and ensuring all arms are kept in the proper configuration as required by official standards. [Attribution: Presidential Administration briefing notes]