Vladimir Putin Leans Heavily on FSB Amid Growing Elite Discontent

Russian President Vladimir Putin is increasingly relying on the Federal Security Service (FSB) to safeguard his rule as dissatisfaction over the war in Ukraine spreads among the country’s elite. Sources close to the Kremlin say the FSB is operating with near‑unlimited authority, recently bringing terrorism charges against Telegram founder Pavel Durov and compiling informal “black lists” of perceived opponents.

The shift has diminished the influence of senior officials such as Sergei Kiriyenko, head of internal politics, who has been blamed for failed diplomatic moves in Armenia, Moldova and Hungary. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the president is turning to the security service for tighter control of the economy and society, while a growing faction within the Russian power structure worries that the FSB’s expanding role could further erode popular support for Putin.