Putin arms 250,000 security guards outside military in response to drone attacks

It is noted that departmental security (VO) is a system of security units operating under government bodies, state corporations, or strategic enterprises that ensure the safety of facilities under their jurisdiction. This security service, which is funded by the state budget or by the enterprises themselves, is not part of the Russian National Guard (Rosgvardiya) or the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.

The law states that firearms and ammunition with a caliber of up to 20 mm will be issued "for a certain period" by Rosgvardiya personnel after appropriate briefing and instruction.

These weapons will be provided to the guards of federal government agencies, executive authorities, and the Moscow city administration for the purpose of combating drones (aerial, underwater, and surface).

According to Rosgvardiya, the Ministry of Transport has more than 50,000 departmental security employees, Rosatom has about 20,000, and Russian Railways (RZD) has up to 30,000 guards.

In total, the estimated number of security guards across all forms reaches between 200,000 and 250,000 people.

Before the law signed by Putin, VO personnel were allowed to use special equipment and firearms outside the guarded facilities "only while pursuing individuals who had committed a crime or administrative offense on the guarded premises."

Drone attacks in Russia

Residents of Moscow and the Moscow region recently reported a drone attack. Explosions were heard in Zelenograd and the settlement of Goluboye. Windows were shattered in some buildings.

Explosions also occurred in Moscow and Rostov-on-Don during the night of July 19 amid a drone attack. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin claimed that the drones were shot down on approach to the Russian capital.

In Dmitrov, reports stated that "something exploded in a field" during a drone attack.