Kremlin involves governors into Russia’s security system to avoid criticism - British intelligence
The UK Ministry of Defence said this in its latest intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine, which was posted on Twitter, Ukrinform reports.
On 24 October 2022, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said that Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin will coordinate the “development of security measures” in Russia’s regions.
This followed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decree introducing a new regimen of security alert levels. ”This measure is likely to lead to a closer interlinking of regional governors into Russia’s national security system. It is a further measure to organise society as Russia’s war against Ukraine continues to be under pressure,” the ministry said.
It is noted that the greater involvement of regional officials is likely at least “partially designed to deflect public criticism away from the national leadership”.
“The Kremlin pursued a similar approach during the COVID-19 crisis. However, it will likely make it more difficult for the Kremlin to insulate Russian society from the effects of the ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine,” the ministry said.
As Ukrinform reported, earlier Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed the government to develop a draft decree on establishing a special coordination council, headed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, in order to meet the needs arising during Russia’s war against Ukraine.
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