On February 11, 2026, Estonia deported Russian citizen Andrei Zhuravlyov on suspicion of collecting intelligence for Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) in Ida-Viru County. The deportation aimed to prevent Russian intelligence activities and avert potential hybrid attacks against Estonia. Zhuravlyov resided in Estonia on a residence permit but spent most of his time in Russia. Earlier on January 16, 2026, Estonia deported another Russian citizen, David Arutyunyan, for spreading Kremlin propaganda, praising Russian National Guard, and posing a security threat to Estonia and Schengen countries. Separately, on February 11, 2026, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin subordinated Russia’s National Guard to the Chief of the General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, consolidating control over key security forces to enhance combat readiness and centralize command under the Defense Ministry, based on a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). This move also aims to safeguard Putin’s regime, particularly after the National Guard’s failure during the June 2023 mutiny, granting Gerasimov greater control over security apparatus and simplifying recruitment.

On February 11, 2026, Estonia deported Russian citizen Andrei Zhuravlyov on suspicion of collecting intelligence for Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) in Ida-Viru County. The deportation aimed to prevent Russian intelligence activities and avert potential hybrid attacks against Estonia. Zhuravlyov resided in Estonia on a residence permit but spent most of his time in Russia. Earlier on January 16, 2026, Estonia deported another Russian citizen, David Arutyunyan, for spreading Kremlin propaganda, praising Russian National Guard, and posing a security threat to Estonia and Schengen countries. Separately, on February 11, 2026, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin subordinated Russia’s National Guard to the Chief of the General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, consolidating control over key security forces to enhance combat readiness and centralize command under the Defense Ministry, based on a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). This move also aims to safeguard Putin’s regime, particularly after the National Guard’s failure during the June 2023 mutiny, granting Gerasimov greater control over security apparatus and simplifying recruitment.