Security Council of Russia

Security Council of Russia
Name	Security Council
Native name	Совет безопасности
Seal caption	Emblem of the Security Council
Formed	1992
Jurisdiction	Government of Russia
Headquarters	Moscow, Russia
Chief1 name	Vladimir Putin
Chief1 position	President
Chief2 name	Dmitry Medvedev
Chief2 position	Deputy Chairman
Chief3 name	Sergei Shoigu
Chief3 position	Secretary
Parent department	President of Russia
Website	scrf.gov.ru

Security Council of Russia is a constitutional consultative body that assists the President of Russia in formulating and executing national security policy. Established in the aftermath of the dissolution of the Soviet Union, it serves as a key coordinating hub for defense, intelligence, and strategic planning. Its decisions, formalized by presidential decrees, shape Russia's stance on critical issues ranging from military doctrine to information security.

History and establishment

The council was created by a decree of President Boris Yeltsin in 1992, inheriting some functions from the Security Council of the USSR. Its legal foundation was solidified in the 1993 Russian Constitution, which designates the president as its chairman. Key milestones in its evolution include its role during the First Chechen War and the formalization of its status through the Federal Law "On Security" in 2010. The body's influence expanded significantly under President Vladimir Putin, who has used it to centralize authority over security agencies like the Federal Security Service (FSB) and the Ministry of Defence (Russia).

Composition and membership

The council's permanent members include the President of Russia as chairman, the Prime Minister of Russia, and key security officials such as the Secretary of the Security Council of Russia, the Minister of Defence (Russia), and the Director of the Federal Security Service. Other members, appointed by the president, typically include the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Russia), the Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service, and the Prosecutor General of Russia. The president may also invite other heads of federal bodies, such as the Russian National Guard or the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Russia), to participate in sessions.

Powers and responsibilities

Its primary function is to prepare presidential decisions on national security, covering military security, border security, and economic security. The council drafts key policy documents like the National Security Strategy of Russia and the Military Doctrine of Russia. It coordinates the activities of federal and regional executive bodies to implement security policy and assesses threats from organizations like NATO or incidents such as the Kerch Strait incident. Decisions made in its sessions often lead to binding presidential decrees on matters like sanctions or mobilization.

Role in national security policy

The council is instrumental in shaping Russia's strategic posture, including its nuclear deterrent policy managed by the 12th Chief Directorate. It addresses hybrid threats, cybersecurity following attacks like the 2017 cyberattacks on Ukraine, and biosecurity, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic in Russia. It also formulates policy for critical regions, influencing operations in Syria, the Arctic policy of Russia, and the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Its interdepartmental commissions handle specific areas like information security and economic resilience.

Relationship with other government bodies

While constitutionally subordinate to the president, the council works closely with the Government of Russia on budgetary and economic security matters. It coordinates with the Federation Council (Russia) and the State Duma on legislation concerning counter-terrorism in Russia and defense spending. Its directives guide operational bodies like the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the Federal Protective Service (Russia), and intelligence services. It also interacts with advisory bodies like the State Council (Russia) and the Military-Industrial Commission of Russia.

Leadership and secretariat

The president serves as its permanent chairman, with a Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia—a position held by former President Dmitry Medvedev. Day-to-day administration and preparation of materials are handled by the Secretary of the Security Council of Russia, a role held by figures like Nikolai Patrushev and currently Sergei Shoigu. The secretariat includes deputies and staff who manage interdepartmental commissions and analyze data from agencies like the Main Intelligence Directorate (Russia) and the Federal Security Service (FSB).

Category:National security councils Category:Government agencies of Russia Category:National security of Russia