In recent months, Russia has faced a dual problem – large-scale military mobilization and an acute shortage of police officers. Thousands of experienced policemen have been deployed to the front or engaged in military operations, leading to a significant reduction in law enforcement personnel in cities and regions. Against this backdrop, a deficit in public order control has emerged, which the state is trying to compensate for by creating and legitimizing so-called “people’s militias".

The most active and notable example is the movement "Russian Community", whose members, according to official statements, "patrol the streets" and "assist law enforcement agencies". In practice, this often involves intimidation, beatings of suspects, and independent “investigations,” raising serious questions about the legality of their actions.

Formally, such militias operate “within the law” and under the supervision of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, but in reality, state control over them is minimal. The Kremlin publicly supports these initiatives of "citizens’ self-organization", presenting them as a manifestation of "public responsibility". Governors in several regions (especially in Siberia and southern Russia) have already begun providing these formations with funding and legal support, citing the need to "combat crime and sabotage".

A significant proportion of the members of the "Russian Community" and other militias are nationalists known for their harsh rhetoric against migrants, opposition activists, and members of the LGBT community. This could lead to a surge in street violence and ethnic discrimination.

The absence of clear regulations allows militia members to act outside the legal framework. Cases of beatings of people suspected of “anti-state activity” and attempts at “arrests” without police presence have already been recorded.

The strengthening of such formations could result in the emergence of a parallel security structure that, in a critical moment, may slip out of state control. History knows examples when similar groups evolved into full-fledged paramilitary organizations. Although these militias currently act in the interests of the Kremlin, in the context of economic crisis and potential destabilization, such armed groups could become a political pressure factor — or even an instrument of internal elite struggles.

The Russian practice of creating volunteer militias harks back to the Soviet experience of the 1950s–1980s, when "people’s militias" patrolled the streets alongside the police. However, back then, they were under strict party control, and membership was carefully vetted. The current situation is fundamentally different: many groups are ideologically based on far-right views, and state oversight is extremely weak.

The closest historical analogy is paramilitary formations in crisis states (such as Iran’s Basij units or the "stormtroopers" of Weimar Germany), which began as auxiliary forces but eventually became independent political tools.

In addition, the state may gradually integrate these militias into security structures, turning them into an additional instrument of societal control. However, with weakened centralized oversight, militias may begin to act in their own interests, provoking mass unrest and ethnic conflicts. In the event of an economic or political crisis, armed and radicalized militias could turn against the authorities themselves, becoming a factor of internal destabilization.

At first glance, the creation of “people’s militias” seems like a logical response to the police personnel crisis. However, relying on nationalist and ideologically motivated groups is an extremely risky step. Instead of strengthening public order, Russia may face an increase in street violence, the empowerment of radical movements, and a weakening of public trust in state institutions.

In our view, the Kremlin, in trying to make up for the shortage of police officers, is effectively playing with fire. If these formations are given broad autonomy, they could become not only a threat to the opposition or migrants but also a potential tool in power struggles within the elite itself.

Expert Group CCBS

 

#ANALYSIS

#RUSSIA

17.07.2025 11:59