Nikolai Patrushev

Patrushev served as Deputy Director of the FSB from 1998 to 1999, under Director Vladimir Putin. He was responsible for economic security and counterintelligence, rising to become Director after Putin's appointment as Prime Minister.

As FSB Director, Patrushev oversaw the agency's operations in the Second Chechen War, which began in 1999. The FSB conducted counterterrorism and intelligence operations against Chechen separatists, contributing to the Russian military campaign.

Nikolai Patrushev was appointed Director of the Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia in August 1999, succeeding Vladimir Putin. He served until 2008, overseeing domestic security and counterintelligence operations during the Second Chechen War.

Patrushev was appointed Secretary of the Security Council of Russia in May 2008, succeeding Igor Ivanov. He has served as a key advisor to President Putin on national security and defense policy, including during the Ukraine conflict.

As Security Council Secretary, Patrushev was a key figure in shaping Russian security policy during the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. He advocated for a hardline stance, supporting the annexation of Ukrainian territories and the mobilization of forces.