Power shifts at Lubyanka: Chief political censor Alexei Sedov resigns as head of the FSB’s 2nd Service

Power shifts at Lubyanka: Chief political censor Alexei Sedov resigns as head of the FSB’s 2nd Service

Alexey Sedov will soon leave his post as head of the 2nd Service of the FSB, which is responsible for protecting the constitutional order and combating terrorism.

The Second Service plays a key role in Kremlin policy, as it is responsible for suppressing any dissent and controlling the information space. On August 26, Sedov turns 72. Since 2024, when he turned 70, rumors of his retirement have circulated, but Putin twice extended his term by a year beyond the established age. Currently, according to at least three sources in the project, the FSB has already bid farewell to Sedov.

He will definitely not be a member of this body. One possible scenario for his career is quite unusual. One source reported that Sedov was recently considered as the head of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, replacing Vladimir Kolokoltsev, in order to strengthen "political investigation" within the police force. However, others are inclined to believe he will retire.

Far more interesting is the situation surrounding Sedov’s successor as head of the 2nd Service. As early as mid-July, the all-powerful head of the FSB’s Economic Security Service (4th Service), Sergei Alpatov, was actively considered for the position. According to sources, Alpatov categorically refuses to change Services, and his move is not guaranteed. However, since July, a fierce behind-the-scenes struggle has been underway within the FSB for the position. Among the leading contenders, in particular, was Alexei Vertyashkin, head of the FSB’s Internal Security Directorate.

In any case, the development of events will be extremely interesting.