Russia’s September 18–20 parliamentary elections broke a record for the number of falsifications and repressive components. They also represented a new level of interference in politics by the security services and their conflict with the Presidential Administration.
The Federal Security Service (FSB) has moved from disciplining officials to challenging aspects of the Presidential Administration. Its arrest of political scientist Aleksandr Kynev, who worked with a Kremlin-backed party, caught the Kremlin’s domestic policy team unprepared.
The FSB is also threatening anti-war Russians abroad. More repression and a sharper power struggle are likely, which could weaken the civilian officials who manage the war economy.
by Kassie Corelli – The Jamestown Foundation – Russian Elections Reveal Federal Security Service’s Growing Power
