for the timing of the implementation of the 2016 reform aimed to counter a strategic threat, but the deep reason does not lie into the actual elections. Gordon M. Hahn lists as the top-two reasons behind the establishment of the National Guard the possibilities of inter-departmental tension, violent conflict, and even armed clashes possible in conditions of potential greater instability and Colour revolutions or indigenous ones. According to former FSB Director and Russian MP (for United Russia) Nikolai Kovalyov, the establishment of the National Guard was important amid NATO's eastward expansion. Official comments of Vladimir Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a televised debate, denied the mistrust in current security establishment: according to him, the direct subordination to the President comes from the fact the National Guard has the authority of a ministry, and as a power ministry it reports to the President. Media The main publication of the National Guard of Russia is the magazine In the line of duty. The full-colour magazine is published for the Internal Troops of Russia since 1958 and it is stated to cover matters of service activity of the corps, as well as history and literature. The media will not be allowed to report on the location of National Guard soldiers, in order to "protect the safety of the troops and their families". See also Awards of the National Guard of the Russian Federation Police of Russia Internal Troops Special Corps of Gendarmes Saudi Arabian National Guard French National Guard United States National Guard National Guard of Ukraine National Public Security Force (Brazil) References Mark Galeotti, Iron Fist: the Rosgvardiya, July 14, 2017 Sources This article includes content from the Russian Wikipedia article Войска национальной гвардии России. External links 2016 establishments in Russia Russia Law enforcement agencies of Russia Military of Russia Military units and formations established in 2016