A recent public statement from Alexander Khinshtein, who chairs the State Duma Information Policy Committee, highlights tensions over Russia’s security apparatus and the direction of internal force restructuring. The message was shared via his telegraph channel, emphasizing caution against creating a parallel security structure that would resemble a second National Guard within the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This warning comes amid broader concerns about how police units are organized and tasked during times of public unrest.
Reportedly, the conversation drew attention to Moscow and St. Petersburg, where shifts in staffing within the special regiments of the police have become visible. According to the deputy, officers from the Ministry of Internal Affairs have begun reconfiguring these units to mirror the composition and methods associated with the OMON, the operational police units known for crowd control and rapid response. The implication is that trainee profiles and tactical capabilities might be expanding beyond traditional policing roles.
In the discussion, Khinshtein noted that contemporary special regiments designated for maintaining order during mass events now include roles such as snipers, explosives technicians, and high-altitude specialists. The point raised is that these capabilities may exceed what is strictly necessary for crowd management, prompting a rhetorical question about the purpose and necessity of such broad skill sets when riot police presence already exists. The commentary signals concern about mission creep and the balance between public safety and potential overreach.
The deputy highlighted concerns from the SOBR units, pointing to practices described as aggressive recruitment or lateral movement within the ministry’s special regiments. He suggested that these shifts could lead to a 16-25 percent growth in these units, a pace that would intensify the footprint of specialized police forces. In this context, Khinshtein recalled statements from the country’s president that urged restraint and warned against forming a structure akin to a separate national guard force under the interior ministry’s banner.
Beyond organizational questions, Khinshtein addressed legislative efforts aimed at strengthening the government’s ability to manage evolving security threats. He indicated that a bill would be introduced in the State Duma to grant law enforcement authorities enhanced power to curb the activities of underwater and underground drones. The proposal reflects a broader national security agenda, where technology-enabled threats prompt calls for robust regulatory and operational tools for protective measures.
These developments underscore ongoing debates about the proper distribution of authority within Russia’s security ecosystem and the need to maintain a clear, accountable chain of command. Observers note that such conversations have implications for how public safety is delivered during demonstrations and other mass gatherings, as well as for the oversight mechanisms that should monitor the expansion of specialized police capabilities. The balance between preparedness and overreach remains a central theme in discussions about reform, transparency, and the safeguarding of civil liberties while ensuring effective operations against evolving security challenges.