Putin creates new National Guard in Russia 'to fight terrorism'

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the creation of a new National Guard, which he said would fight terrorism and organised crime.

The force will be formed of interior ministry troops and led by Mr Putin's former bodyguard, Viktor Zolotov, who will report directly to the president.
Mr Putin's spokesman said the force could be used to maintain public order.
But Dmitry Peskov denied its creation was linked to September's election. Some critics say Mr Putin fears unrest.
Mr Putin made the announcement during a meeting with key security officials at the Kremlin. "The decisions have been taken, we are creating a new federal body of executive power," he said.
He also announced that Russia's drug control agency and federal migration service would become part of the interior ministry's remit.

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What the new National Guard means for Russia: analysis by BBC Monitoring

Why now?

The creation of a National Guard has been talked about for years but there is no single view on why the announcement was made now.
Mr Peskov said he "could not explain" the timing but denied it had anything to do with the upcoming elections or possible mistrust of other law-enforcement agencies.
However, a number of opposition figures and commentators say Mr Putin is concerned about possible unrest in the country in the run-up to the election.
Yabloko party leader Emilia Slabunova said it was an "attempt by the authorities to protect themselves from protests" while independent military analyst Alexander Golts said the Russian authorities were concerned because of the "colour revolutions" in neighbouring countries such as Ukraine and Georgia.

What has been the reaction?

Predictably, the reshuffle was welcomed by state officials and pro-Kremlin observers, while opposition figures and commentators voiced their concern over a further strengthening of security structures.
Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov said the new force would have a higher status, improved "service conditions" and would "enhance units' operational capability". The head of the State Duma's defence and anti-corruption committee, Irina Yarovaya, described the reshuffle as "an absolutely timely, adequate and systemic answer to modern challenges and threats".
But Communist MP Vladimir Rodin said the reshuffle was "a dangerous path" and warned "citizens' trust cannot be regained by force". Influential cultural figure Marat Gelman called it a "step towards a police state".

What will happen next?

The National Guard looks set to become a powerful force.
According to a bill tabled with the State Duma, its proposed powers include the right to shoot or use force without warning as well as the right to enter private premises while on duty when there is a life threat to civilians or National Guard personnel.
Some unconfirmed reports suggest it could number up to 400,000 people and be given tanks, heavy artillery and attack helicopters.
However, it is unclear how the new force will work with other security agencies and the interior ministry. Some observers are speculating that there could soon be a reshuffle within the interior ministry's leadership.

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As commander-in-chief of the National Guard, Mr Zolotov has been given a seat on Russia's Security Council. This means he will report directly to President Putin, bypassing the interior minister.
Mr Putin warned in February that Russia's "foes abroad" were preparing to interfere with the 18 September election, and told the country's security services that such attempts must be thwarted.
Moscow has long accused the West of trying to influence Russian elections through encouraging mass protests - a claim denied by US and European officials.
Thousands of protestors took to the streets in Moscow and other cities after the 2011 parliamentary elections amid allegations of ballot-rigging and electoral fraud. Dozens of opposition figures were arrested and jailed.