14 Apr 2016 16:51

Putin explains National Guard's subordination to president by its status of federal agency

MOSCOW. April 14 (Interfax) - The reason for direct subordination of the National Guard to the head of state is not mistrust in law enforcement ministers, but its status as an independent federal agency, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in the Q&A session on Thursday.

"The National Guard has been created as a separate, independent federal body on the basis of the ministry, and all law enforcement ministries and agencies are subordinated to the president," Putin said, answering a question on why he had subordinated the National Guard to himself, and whether it was proof of mistrust in law enforcement ministers.