In a significant shift in military governance, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree that places the National Guard, known as Rosgvardiya, under the control of the General Staff. Established in 2016 as an armed internal security force directly accountable to the president, the reallocation of Rosgvardiya's control reflects growing concerns over military leadership and troop shortages within the Russian army. Experts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believe this move enhances the vertical control within the military and reinforces the position of the military leadership in the power structures of Russia.

The decree outlines that the General Staff will be the primary body for the command and control over Rosgvardiya's forces, dictating their leadership and deployment during both peacetime and wartime. This new oversight will involve preparing development plans, ensuring combat readiness, training, and intelligence for the National Guard. The expansion of authority granted to the General Staff indicates a strategic consolidation of military power amidst ongoing challenges in Russia's military engagement and organization.

As the situation evolves, this restructuring could have profound implications for Russia's domestic stability and military effectiveness. The move to centralize command may reflect an urgency in addressing logistical and operational inefficiencies within the military amidst recruitment issues and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This decision not only impacts the National Guard but also sets a precedent for future military organization and deployment strategies in Russia, indicating potential vulnerabilities in the Kremlin's approach to military resource management.