Kremlin's favourite crisis management services compete for leadership of institutional security

Mikhail Anichkin, the ubiquitous private security providers' 'ambassador' to the Kremlin 

Former intelligence officer Mikhail Anichkin has carved out a role for himself connecting the heads of private security companies, known as "tchopi", and has become a leading interlocutor for Kremlin bodies eager to regulate this field.

Russian intelligence puts down roots in Donetsk 

Firmly established in Donbas for many years, Russia's intelligence services have been gradually taking over the dense security apparatus in Donetsk.

• FRANCE - Intelligence Academy advertises for new director 

• LEBANON - Berri joins push to extend Ibrahim's mandate 

• RUSSIA - Intelligence at forefront of fight against drones 

• UNITED STATES - CIA publication review process questioned

• BULGARIA - Internal security under scrutiny 

Russia ramps up strategic disinformation campaign north of Ukraine 

To divert Kyiv's attentions away from the main theatres of war in Ukraine's east and south, Russian intelligence services and private military companies are conducting a growing number of manoeuvres in Belarus. Information about these operations is being carefully 'leaked'.

Security services tighten grip on Moscow's Higher School of Economics 

The educational and research institution, reputed to be a bastion of independence since the 1990s, is coming under increased political control and the watchful eye of its vice-rector for security from the FSB.

From Moscow to Ukraine, demand for Rosgvardia continues to grow 

The Russian paramilitary security service Rosgvardia is being stretched to its limits, as it is being deployed in the conquered areas of Ukraine and in its homeland, where the Ministry of the Interior needs it to ensure officials' safety.

Small legislative revolutions in store for Russia's private security sector 

With mistrust growing across the board, Moscow is looking for ways to better control the tchopi, or private security firms, operating on Russian territory while at the same time tap into their more in-the-field presence to support the state security services.

FSB still at forefront of intelligence gathering in Ukraine 

Rumours abound about the leadership of the Russian security services deployed in Ukraine to back the military offensive and feed Moscow with intelligence from the field.

Putin reaffirms trust in Alexander Linerts by keeping him on as head of GUSP 

The man at the helm of Vladimir Putin's special programmes service, the GUSP, which handles any sensitive files not taken care of by the other services often with a focus on crisis management, has proven his worth to the Russian president.

French CAC40 companies hire private security guards the old-fashioned way in Moscow 

Flagship French companies including the supermarket chain Auchan and food company Bonduelle employ local security firms in Russia without knowing much about their background.