Russia’s Digital Ministry is undergoing a reorganization that is expected to cut 15% of its staff, while some of its powers will be formally transferred to the FSB. RBC reported this, citing sources.
According to the outlet, the changes began about six weeks ago. As part of the overhaul, several departments are expected to be merged. The responsibilities of the cybersecurity department are reportedly set to be transferred to the FSB and the Federal Service for Technical and Export Control (FSTEC).
Possible personnel changes
RBC writes that several senior officials are also likely to leave the ministry. Among them is Deputy Minister Sergey Kuchushev, who oversees the department of economics and finance, the department for IT industry development, and the department for digital skills and education development.
The possible departure of Deputy Minister Alexander Shoitov, who is responsible for the information security department, is also under discussion. The outlet’s sources added that officials are considering the departure of Yevgeny Khasin, who heads the cybersecurity support department.
A representative of the Digital Ministry declined to comment.
Earlier, The Bell reported that since at least summer 2025, website blocking in the Russian internet and efforts against VPN services have, according to its reporting, been handled by the FSB’s Second Service. The outlet said this unit had been linked to the poisoning of Alexei Navalny and Vladimir Kara-Murza.
“Sedov allegedly promised Putin he would restore order on the internet, and received carte blanche,” one source told reporters.