09/23/2026

Russia’s war is beginning to change who holds power inside Moscow, as nearly 50 veterans enter the State Duma. Kremlin officials are promoting a generation shaped by Ukraine while established elites resist surrendering positions, money, and influence.

Inside Russia’s security establishment, another contest may be developing as the FSB approaches a possible leadership shakeup. Alexander Bortnikov’s future is under discussion, the Economic Security chief has already left, and independent reporting points toward broader reorganization.

Following the election, competition now reaches parliament, security services, regional governments, and Russia’s business elite simultaneously. War veterans are entering politics while older networks defend their positions and compete for increasingly scarce resources. Putin still sits above these groups, but the war is changing what each faction wants from the system. Today’s live examines who is gaining power, who risks losing it, and why armed veterans, the FSB, asset redistribution, and Moscow’s internal resource fight increasingly belong to the same story.

• CHAPTERS:
• 00:00 – Intro: Russia’s Elite Power Struggle
• 03:08 – FSB Internal War & Bortnikov’s Deputy
• 05:00 – Drone Security Decrees & Corporate Raids
• 07:30 – Black Markets & The War Chest Vacuum
• 09:44 – State Liquidity Crisis & Elite Hesitation
• 12:12 – Weaponized Corruption Files on Generals
• 14:02 – Sanction Busting & Organized Crime Ties
• 15:33 – Directorate Turf Wars: K, P, and M
• 17:17 – Kremlin Leaks & Donbas Leverage
• 19:18 – Chechen Power Struggle & Akhmat Control
• 21:18 – Banking Restrictions & Public Impact
• 22:41 – Prosecutors & Putin’s Personal Stakes
• 25:05 – System Vulnerability & Military Flight
• 27:28 – War Deficits & The $80B Budget Hole
• 28:57 – Disgruntled Veterans as Emerging Rivals
• 31:30 – FSB vs Military: Prosecuting Rivals
• 33:45 – Girkin’s Warning & Criminal Hegemony
• 35:05 – External Escalation to Relieve Pressure
• 38:56 – Global Mafia Reach & Fuel Shortages
• 41:44 – Bureaucratic Manipulation & False Pretexts

https://www.youtube.com/@JasonJaySmart