Putin promotes ex‑bodyguard Alexei Dyumin to a top security role
Reuters reported that Vladimir Putin appointed his former bodyguard Alexei Dyumin to the Security Council of the Russian Federation on Monday. Three other officials were also appointed by presidential decree.
The appointment of Dyumin as secretary of the State Council in May sparked speculation that this politician, who is friendly with Putin, could be a potential presidential candidate.
Currently aged 52, Dyumin first served in the Federal Protective Service (FSO). He has been Putin's bodyguard since 1999 when Putin was appointed Prime Minister of Russia. Later, as reported by Radio Svoboda, he effectively became his aide-de-camp.
In 2013, Dyumin joined the leadership of GRU's military intelligence service and later became the Deputy Defence Minister. He holds the rank of Colonel-General (equivalent to Poland’s Lieutenant General). After the annexation of Crimea, Dyumin was awarded the title Hero of Russia. The West imposed sanctions on him.
The Security Council of the Russian Federation is an advisory body. It is chaired by the President of Russia, and former Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev is the deputy chairman.
