Sergey Korolev prepares for official control of the FSB at the end of Alexander Bortnikov’s era

Talk has once again emerged behind the scenes of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) about potential personnel changes in the agency, expected to take place after the elections.

Specifically, there is talk of FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov heading the Security Council (where Sergei Shoigu will go is unknown), with current FSB First Deputy Director Sergei Korolev potentially taking his place. The current head of the FSB’s Economic Security Service, Sergei Alpatov, will be appointed First Deputy Director.

Alexey Vertyashkin, who currently heads the FSB’s Internal Security Directorate, will head the SEB. According to the source, discussions are also underway regarding Alexey Dorofeyev, head of the FSB’s Moscow and Moscow Region Directorate, finally stepping down. A high-ranking official from the FSB’s Directorate M is being considered for his replacement.