Russian President Vladimir Putin Creates National Guard in Russia 'to fight terrorism'

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the creation of a new National Guard, which he said would fight terrorism and organised crime.

The force will be formed of interior ministry troops and led by Mr Putin's former bodyguard, Viktor Zolotov, who will report directly to the president.

Russian President Vladimir Putin made the announcement during a meeting with key security officials at the Kremlin. "The decisions have been taken, we are creating a new federal body of executive power," he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also announced that Russia's drug control agency and federal migration service would become part of the interior ministry's remit.