The Russian National Guard, which reports directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin, will receive its own tank units. It currently numbers around 400,000 personnel, and the addition of heavy weaponry significantly changes its role on the frontlines and in the rear.
Source: PRYAMYI
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the head of the Russian National Guard, Viktor Zolotov, who was previously Putin’s personal bodyguard, confirmed the formation of tank units. Unlike the regular army, these forces are directly controlled by the Kremlin.
The main task of the Russian National Guard is to maintain internal security and protect Putin’s regime. Its units are deployed in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, where they are responsible for rear security and are sometimes involved in combat, although they lack sufficient training for this.
The UK Ministry of Defence noted that Putin decided to create tank units following the Wagner PMC revolt in 2023. Despite Zolotov’s claims of “successful task completion” during those events, there is no evidence of the National Guard’s actual effectiveness.
“Equipping the National Guard with tanks is a notable militarization of forces, increasing their ability to counter military and paramilitary threats. It also demonstrates the Kremlin’s trust in the loyalty of structures that protect the regime,” the UK intelligence report stated.
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