Kremlin spymaster tightens screws at Russian Security Council

• RUSSIA - FSO regulates military service

• FRANCE - Former COS liaison chief ordered to return extra pay

• TAIWAN - NATO slows down rapprochement with Taipei

• UNITED STATES - All drone policies point to the DNI

Russian customs service fights to extend its responsibilities 

For years there was talk of Russia's customs service, the FTS, becoming part of the FSB, and the long-standing rivalry with the internal intelligence department has tarnished the two services ability to cooperate. However, a bill is now being pushed through to extend the FTS's responsibilities.

Moscow's shifting security and political strategies in the Donbass 

The heavy losses suffered by its armies in Donetsk and Luhansk are forcing Moscow to review its political and security roadmap for the territories.

Sweden rushes to develop electronic warfare systems in the Baltic Sea 

Under increasing pressure from Russia, the Swedish army is focusing on strengthening its naval electronic warfare capabilities.

Moscow's shadow advisers, intelligence officers and lobbyists lay low 

As the hunt for those responsible for Russia's setbacks in Ukraine continues, lobbyists, private consultants and advisers close to the Kremlin, as well as former and current civil servants, are fearing a wave of purges.

Russian influence activists got busy behind recognition of Donbas republics 

The champions of Russia's protection of its "compatriots" - Russian-speaking descendants of the USSR that Moscow is trying to reconquer or keep in its cultural fold - were going all-out to support Moscow's latest moves in Ukraine.

Next generation of Russian siloviki blocked by old guard 

The Kremlin allowed its most powerful generals to stay on an extra 5 years beyond retirement age and is now looking to extend their careers even further on an ad hoc basis, dashing the prospects of younger officers.

FSB: General Tkachev to be promoted 

According to our sources, General Ivan Tkachev, the head of the "K" directorate of the FSB, in charge of financial [...]