The Evolution of Russia's State Security Agencies: a Historical Analysis from the CHEKA to the FSB

Madatov Oleg Yakovlevich General adviser, Interregional Public Movement for the Protection of the Rights of Servicemen and Their Families «Conscience of the Law» 350072, Russia, Krasnodar Territory, Krasnodar, Moskovskaya str., 61, sq. 32 oleg_madatov@rambler.ru Other publications by this author

Introduction

In accordance with the constitutional and legal norms stipulated in paragraph "g" of Article 83 of the Basic Law of the Russian Federation, the priority functions of the head of state are: the implementation of a set of measures to ensure territorial integrity, maintain sovereign rights and independence of the state, as well as preventive actions against potential threats, both internal and external. Moreover, the competence of the President of the Russian Federation includes the implementation of mechanisms for the protection of national interests, ensuring the security of society and state institutions, as well as maintaining the stability of civil society and social consolidation ^[1].

According to the provisions of Article 8 of the Federal Law "On the Federal Security Service", the priority vectors of the functioning of this body of state power are: the implementation of counterintelligence operations, anti-terrorist activities, countering criminal structures, the implementation of intelligence activities, the protection of state borders and the maintenance of information sovereignty. It should be noted that it is the FSB that acts as a key actor in the national security system, carrying out a comprehensive solution to strategic tasks to protect state interests ^[2].

As a result of the conducted research, it was established that the formation of the legislative framework defining the key areas of functioning of the Federal Security Service was a long process due to the evolution of the state structure and the need for an adequate response to emerging challenges and threats.

The historical and institutional importance of state security agencies for the Russian state determines the high scientific relevance of this study. The work analyzes the historical development of security agencies ^[3], covering four key periods: pre-war (1917-1941), military (1941-1945), post-war before the collapse of the USSR (1946-1991), as well as the modern stage (from 1991 to the present).

The results obtained allow us to conclude that the modern structure and functions of the Federal Security Service are the product of a long historical development reflecting the specifics of state-building and the evolution of the national security system of the Russian Federation.

At the same time, the scientific relevance of the conducted research is related to the deep historical and institutional significance of state security agencies for the Russian state. What is new is a comprehensive and multifaceted analysis of the evolution of Russia's state security agencies over the course of more than a hundred years of their existence.

Moreover, the relevance of the conducted research lies in several key aspects:

1) historical retrospective and continuity: the study covers more than a century of the history of the formation and development of state security agencies, which allows us to trace the evolution of these structures from the Cheka to the modern FSB, to identify patterns and continuity in their activities. Analyzing the role of such iconic figures as F. E. Dzerzhinsky, L. P. Beria and Yu.V. Andropov, one can better understand how the personal qualities of leaders influenced the development of services.

2) analysis of the effectiveness of services in critical periods of history: the study covers key periods of history (pre-war, military, post-war and modern), highlighting their features. This allows us to assess how the adaptation and reform of the services at specific historical moments contributed to their effectiveness in fulfilling complex tasks to ensure the security of the state.

3) Contribution to national security and international influence: The study highlights the role of security agencies in ensuring national security, starting with the prevention of military threats during the war, ending with strategic intelligence activities and combating the nuclear threat in the post-war period. This highlights their importance not only in the national context, but also in the international arena.

4) Socio-cultural and political aspects: the study reveals how the security services influenced the political processes, economic development and cultural life of the country, integrating into all stages of the state structure. Special attention is paid to the periods of reforms, as well as their consequences for Russian society.

5) Modern challenges and adaptation: the section on the modern period analyzes how, in conditions of political instability and reorganizations, the services were able to maintain their functions and adapt to new threats. This aspect is especially important now, when the security of the state is once again under close attention due to global challenges.

6) scientific and educational value: the research helps to better understand the specifics of the work of special services, their training methods and approaches to solving complex tasks. This can be useful for educational programs in history and political science, as well as for the formation of future specialists in the field of state security.

Thus, the results of the study not only enrich historical science and provide an understanding of the evolution of state security institutions, but also provide valuable lessons for current and future structures responsible for protecting the state and its citizens.

Research methodology: Historical and legal analysis of regulations, archival materials and scientific publications, comparative analysis of various periods of development of security agencies, study of biographies of key figures involved in the formation and development of services.

Figure 1 shows a diagram of the history of the creation of state security agencies.

1. The pre–war period (1917 - 1941)

This section will cover:

- All-Russian Emergency Commission under the Council of People's Commissars for Combating Counterrevolution and Sabotage;

- State Political Administration under the chairmanship of the People's Commissar of Internal Affairs;

- United State Political Administration under the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR;

- All-Union People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs;

- The People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs of the USSR and the People's Commissariat of State Security of the USSR.

The formation of state security agencies in the pre-war period was studied by such scientists as A. A. Semenov ^[4], A. S. Sokolov ^[5], N. I. Kargapoltseva ^[6], A. L. Kubasov ^[7], R. W. Thurston ^[8], E. Mettini, A. Tkachenko ^[9] and others.

At the same time, in their research, state security agencies are considered separately from each other, which does not allow for an objective and comprehensive consideration of the issue of their formation in the aggregate.

This section examines the history of the formation and development of the Soviet state security agencies in the period from 1917 to 1941. It describes the creation and activities of the Cheka, its transformation into the GPU, then into the OGPU, its integration into the NKVD and the division of the NKVD into the NKVD and the NKGB. Special attention is paid to the tasks, functions and reorganizations of these structures, as well as their role in the political and economic life of the country.

All-Russian Emergency Commission

In the process of formation of the Soviet state apparatus, there was an urgent need to counteract anti-government elements. This circumstance was highlighted in F. E. Dzerzhinsky's report to the Council of People's Commissars of the RSFSR (6) on December 19, 1917. As a response to the sabotage of civil servants and counterrevolutionary activities, the Council of People's Commissars of the RSFSR initiated the creation of a special body, the All-Russian Emergency Commission (hereinafter referred to as the CHEKA). The establishment of this structure took place on December (7) 20, 1917, according to a resolution of the Council of People's Commissars, and F.E. Dzerzhinsky was entrusted with the leadership of the commission. The main tasks of the Cheka were countering counterrevolutionary forces and suppressing sabotage in the public administration system ^{[10, p. 29]}.

At the stage of the structural formation of the Cheka, a significant reorganization of its divisions took place. Initially, there were information, organizational, branch departments and a wrestling department ^[11]. Subsequently, by the beginning of 1918, a restructuring was carried out, as a result of which specialized units were formed: the department for countering counterrevolutionary elements, including foreign espionage; the department of political investigation (later transformed into an investigative unit); units for combating banditry, sabotage and speculation; border guards. The priority task of this state security agency was to identify, prevent and neutralize any counterrevolutionary actions and sabotage, regardless of their source of origin.

The All-Russian Emergency Commission played a fundamental role in the historical development of the Russian state security agencies. Within the framework of her competence, a comprehensive preliminary investigation was carried out aimed at countering counterrevolutionary elements and acts of sabotage ^[12]. At the same time, a system toolkit for neutralizing terrorist threats was developed and implemented. The methodological and organizational principles laid down by the Cheka subsequently formed the basis of the modern national security architecture of the Russian Federation ^[13].

The founder of the structure, F. E. Dzerzhinsky, formulated the qualities of an employee as follows: "... a man with a cool head, a warm heart and clean hands" ^[14], in other words, an employee of this structure should be an honest person who puts the security of his country above all else and sincerely strives to protect it.

During the historical period under review, F. E. Dzerzhinsky proved himself to be an exceptionally effective state administrator who fully meets the needs of the country ^[15]. His organizational talent was particularly evident in the process of modernizing the transport infrastructure after the end of hostilities, as well as in the development of basic industries, including the coal mining and metallurgical sectors. It is noteworthy that under his leadership, the timely implementation of targets by various departments took place. A significant achievement was his ability to form an effective management staff: in each organization he supervised, a talent pool of highly qualified managers was created who demonstrated exceptional effectiveness in solving diverse tasks. His progressive position regarding the preservation of elements of a market economy, in particular, small-scale private trade, should be particularly noted.

It was in the Cheka under F. E. Dzerzhinsky that the preparatory stages of external operations began, which not only brought the service well-deserved prestige, but also laid the foundation for further activities in this direction (Operation Trust ^[16], the arrest of the "leader" of the Socialist Revolutionary movement Savinkov ^[17], etc.).

The scale of the CHEKA's activities can be estimated by the number of its employees and departments. So, at the end of February 1918, their number did not exceed 120 people, and by 1921 it already amounted to 31 thousand ^{[18, p. 28]}. At the same time, it should be noted that only by the end of 1918, 40 provincial and 356 county emergency commissions were already operating in the CHEKA system ^[19]. In addition, the state security agencies in the Soviet republics were under the centralized leadership of the Cheka, which performed coordinating functions ^[20]. A noteworthy historical fact is the prolonged existence of extraordinary commissions in certain regions after the abolition of the central body. In particular, these structures continued to function on the territory of Transcaucasia until 1926, which indicates the regional peculiarities of the transformation of security agencies in the post-revolutionary period.

During the historical analysis of the activities of state security agencies during the civil war, special attention should be paid to the process of forming special units in the military sphere. A key stage in the institutionalization of these structures was the adoption by the II All-Russian Conference of Extraordinary Commissions in late November of a resolution authorizing the creation of front-line and army Cheka with expanded powers, including the right to delegate commissars to military formations ^[21]. This was preceded by the consistent establishment of specialized bodies: first, the Cheka on the Czechoslovak (Eastern) Front (July 16, 1918), then on the Southern Front (autumn 1918). These organizational measures were aimed at implementing the strategic task of countering counterrevolutionary elements and foreign intelligence structures in armed formations.

State political management

In March 1921, a landmark event took place in the history of the Soviet state: at the tenth Party Congress of the Russian Communist Party (b), a fundamental transformation of the country's economic course was initiated. This decision, which later became known as the "new economic policy", provided for a significant modernization of the repressive and legal mechanism of public administration, including a radical revision of the methodological foundations and tools of the punitive system ^[22].

In the context of the historical transformations of the early 1920s, the top party leadership of the RCP(b) initiated a significant reorganization of the state security agencies. This process was driven by the transition to a new economic policy and the need to modernize the punitive apparatus. At the IX All-Russian Congress of Soviets, V.I. Lenin launched a program initiative on the transformation of the Cheka, which assumed the concentration of its activities exclusively on the political sphere. A subsequent resolution of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Russian Communist Party (b) dated December 1, 1921 provided for the development of a regulatory framework aimed at significantly limiting the powers of the Cheka, including the liberalization of the arrest procedure, the establishment of regulated investigation periods and the strengthening of the judicial system. These measures indicated a systematic softening of the repressive policy of the state ^{[23, p. 37]}.

On February 6, 1922, the All-Russian Central Executive Committee issued a decree abolishing the Cheka and its local bodies. The tasks previously assigned to the Cheka were assigned to the People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs, for which the "State Political Directorate under the personal chairmanship of the People's Commissar of Internal Affairs or his deputy appointed by the Council of People's Commissars" (hereinafter referred to as the GPU) was created in its composition (paragraph 3 of the resolution of the Central Executive Committee of 02/06/1922) ^[24].

As part of the scientific analysis of the functional responsibilities of the State Political Administration (GPU), it should be noted that its founding document contained a specification of tasks in the field of intelligence and counterintelligence. These tasks, set out in paragraph 10 of the said provision, covered a wide range of activities to ensure State security.

The priority areas of the GPU's work were: countering anti-government protests, neutralizing armed insurgencies, identifying underground organizations and protecting state secrets. In addition, the management's competence included such aspects as ensuring the safety of transport infrastructure, protecting the state borders of the RSFSR, as well as fulfilling special orders from the highest authorities in the context of maintaining revolutionary order ^[25].

Thus, the GPU's functionality was focused on comprehensive counteraction to internal and external threats to the security of the young Soviet state, which reflected the specifics of the political situation of that historical period.

United State Political Administration

After the establishment of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in December 1922, the state structure underwent changes corresponding to the time, in connection with which it was necessary to change the regulation on the special state security agency. Thus, on November 2, 1923, the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of the USSR established the United State Political Administration under the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR (hereinafter – OGPU).

At the same time, the main task of the formation of the OGPU was formulated in the basic law of the USSR, namely in Article 61 of the Constitution of the USSR of 1924, according to which the OGPU was established "in order to unite the revolutionary efforts of the Union republics to combat political and economic counterrevolution, espionage and banditry" ^{[26, p. 8]}.

During the period of leadership of the USSR state security agencies, carried out initially by F. E. Dzerzhinsky (until his death on 07/20/1926), and subsequently by V. R. Menzhinsky (1926-1934), fundamental transformations took place in the socio-economic structure of the state. This historical stage was characterized by a significant reorganization of the penal correction system, including the creation of a network of correctional labor institutions and the initiation of large-scale infrastructure projects such as the construction of the White Sea-Baltic Canal and the Moscow-Volga waterway ^[27].

The period of V. R. Menzhinsky's chairmanship in the OGPU coincided with radical changes in the state course: the curtailment of the new economic policy, accelerated industrialization and the collectivization of agriculture. In the context of the internal political struggle, the state security agencies intensified their activities to neutralize opposition elements, including Trotskyist, Zinoviev and Kamenev groups, and also intensified their opposition to counterrevolutionary formations and nationalist movements in the Union republics ^[28].

As a result of the death of the head of the OGPU, V. R. Menzhinsky, on May 10, 1934, the duties of the head of this department were assigned to G. G. Yagoda, who until that moment had held the position of second deputy chairman of the United State Political Administration.

As part of ensuring state security and performing a number of related functions, the OGPU carried out complex activities in several areas. The main tasks of this body were countering counter-revolutionary elements, suppressing espionage activities and "elements alien to the Soviet government" ^{[29, p. 63]}, recognized as incompatible with the Soviet state system. In addition, the OGPU participated in the work of specialized commissions, in particular, on the certification of police officers and the approval of charters of various public organizations and unions.

In accordance with the normative legal act adopted by the supreme bodies of state power of the USSR (the Central Executive Committee and the Council of People's Commissars) in December 1930, there was a significant expansion of the administrative powers of the United State Political Administration. This reorganization provided the OGPU with significant personnel prerogatives in relation to law enforcement personnel, including mechanisms for the appointment, rotation and dismissal of police and criminal investigation officers ^[30]. Moreover, both regular units and confidential intelligence resources of these structures were transferred to the OGPU. Subsequently, as a result of the administrative reform of 07/10/1934, the OGPU underwent reorganization and was integrated into the NKVD structure as a specialized unit – the Main Directorate of State Security, which marked the end of its autonomous existence.

All-Union People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs

As a result of the analysis of historical documents, it was established that the fundamental reorganization of the punitive investigative bodies of the USSR was initiated by I. V. Stalin at a meeting of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the CPSU(b) on 02/20/1934 ^[31]. The key institutional innovation of this reform was the elimination of the judicial powers of the OGPU during its integration into the newly formed Union NKVD. This structural transformation, according to archival materials, demonstrated the intention of the Soviet leadership to liberalize the repressive policy of the state by excluding judicial functions from the competence of the new People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs of the USSR.

As a result of the reorganization of the USSR law enforcement agencies, carried out on the basis of the CEC resolution dated 07/10/1934 "On the formation of the All-Union People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs", a centralized system of internal affairs bodies was formed ^[32]. The leadership of the newly formed department, which included various divisions in its structure (the Main Departments of State Security, Fire Protection, Border and Internal Security, Workers' and Peasants' militia, as well as correctional labor institutions), was entrusted to G. G. Yagoda, who exercised the powers of the People's Commissar until September 1936. This administrative reform has significantly modified the architecture of the State's law enforcement agencies.

In the period from 1936 to 1938, the People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs was under the leadership of N. I. Yezhov, whose activities were marked by the creation of a special commission to counter espionage and high treason, including the identification of unreliable elements in government structures ^[33]. The subsequent period (1938-1945) was characterized by a significant transformation in the work of the NKVD under the leadership of L. P. Beria, which resulted in significant improvements in the foreign intelligence system and the strengthening of border formations, which subsequently took the first blow of the fascist troops ^[34]. It is noteworthy that in this historical period there was an expansion of the system of correctional labor institutions integrated into the economic structure of the USSR as a significant production resource, while reducing the scale of repressive policies ^[35].

During the functioning of the People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs of the USSR, large-scale activities were carried out in various areas of public administration. A significant reduction in the criminal situation in the country was achieved due to the effective leadership of the police by the NKVD ^[36]. The competence of this department included a variety of administrative functions: metrology, cartographic activities, registration of civil acts, as well as control of road infrastructure.

The activities of the NKVD became particularly important after the formation of the GULAG system, which made it possible to organize the large-scale use of forced labor by both prisoners of penitentiary institutions and specially resettled persons ^[37]. Ensuring State security, border protection and the protection of public property were also among the priorities of this government body.

As a result of the study of the pre-war stage of the formation of state security structures, it was established that the professional competence of employees made it possible to effectively implement the entire range of tasks. This circumstance contributed to the fact that by the time the Great Patriotic War began, an integrated centralized system had been formed, characterized by a high level of combat training. These factors made it possible to comprehensively and promptly solve strategic tasks in wartime conditions.

The People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs of the USSR and the People's Commissariat of State Security of the USSR

In accordance with Legislative Act No. 150, issued by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on February 3, 1941, a significant reorganization took place in the structure of state authorities ^[38]. As a result of the reform, the unified People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs was divided into two autonomous structures. Leading positions in the newly formed departments were occupied by prominent statesmen of that period: V. N. Merkulov headed the People's Commissariat of State Security of the USSR, while the NKVD of the USSR came under the leadership of L. P. Beria. This administrative transformation has significantly affected the further functioning of the public administration system.

According to an extract from the minutes No. 26 of the meeting of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the CPSU(b) dated 02/03/1941, the division occurred: "Due to the need to maximize the improvement of the intelligence and operational work of state security agencies and the increased volume of work carried out by the People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs of the USSR, its diversity ..." ^{[39, p. 553]}.

An analysis of historical sources indicates that the reorganization of power structures carried out by I.V. Stalin pursued the strategic goal of preventing excessive consolidation of the repressive apparatus under the sole leadership of L.P. Beria ^[40]. Guided by the classical management principle of "divide et impera" (Russian translation: divide and rule), the top leadership of the state initiated the creation of two parallel law enforcement agencies – the NKVD and the NKGB, thereby stimulating institutional rivalry between these structures in order to strengthen control over the punitive system.

In accordance with paragraph 2 of Protocol No. 26, numerous state functions of strategic importance were delegated to the People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs of the USSR. The fundamental areas of activity were: ensuring the security of public property, protecting the personal rights and property of citizens, as well as maintaining public order. The NKVD was responsible for the administration of the penitentiary system, which included prison facilities and correctional labor camps. The Agency controlled state borders, coordinated local air defense and fire safety measures. Essential powers were: the organization of work with prisoners of war and internees, including their reception, escort and detention, as well as keeping records of citizens liable for military service ^[41]. Additionally, the NKVD was tasked with countering child homelessness, managing the road infrastructure of the Union, carrying out operational processing of state archives and registration of civil status acts.

According to the government directive recorded in Protocol No. 26 (paragraph 4), the USSR People's Commissariat for State Security was delegated comprehensive functions to ensure state security. The priority areas of activity were: the implementation of security measures against the top leadership of the party and government apparatus, the organization of foreign intelligence activities, as well as countering anti-state elements. The scope of competence included the identification and neutralization of residual anti-Soviet formations in all socio-economic sectors: industry, transport infrastructure, the agricultural complex and the communications system. Special attention was paid to the suppression of the intelligence, sabotage and terrorist activities of foreign intelligence services in the territory of the Soviet Union. At the same time, the NKGB of the USSR was exempted from other types of work (directive of the NKVD of the USSR and the NKGB of the USSR No. 782/B/265/M dated 03/01/1941 ^[42]).

The analysis of historical documents testifies to the high efficiency of the Soviet intelligence system of the pre-war period. The effectiveness of the intelligence network is confirmed by the fact that approximately four dozen residencies stationed in various countries regularly provided Moscow with data of strategic importance by the middle of 1941. Especially revealing is the report of the head of the 5th department of the GUGB NKVD of the USSR P. I. Fitin to I. V. Stalin dated June 17, 1941, containing reliable information about the upcoming military aggression by Nazi Germany against the Soviet Union, which demonstrates the high level of professional competence of foreign intelligence officers of that period.

2. The period during the war (1941-1945)

This section will cover:

- People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs of the USSR;

- People's Commissariat of State Security of the USSR.

Such scientists as V. V. Knyazev ^[43], I. L. Izyumskaya ^[44], A. S. Chentsov ^[45], I. V. Uporov ^[46], M. S. Semikov ^[47], P. C. Oleson ^[48] and others dealt with the formation of state security bodies during the war period.

An analysis of their work has shown that it is based on the study of their activities and internal organization, rather than the process of their formation.

This section is devoted to the activities of the People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs (NKVD) and the People's Commissariat of State Security (NKGB) of the USSR during the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945), including their role in defense, counterintelligence, intelligence operations and ensuring national security.

People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs of the USSR

In the course of military historical research, it has been established that the initial phase of Nazi Germany's aggression against the USSR, initiated on June 22, 1941, was characterized by the exceptional role of the NKVD border guards in defensive actions ^[49]. An analysis of military documentation indicates that the enemy, planning a lightning-fast suppression of resistance, counted on a thirty-minute time interval to neutralize the border units. The actual data indicate the participation in the initial phase of hostilities of a significant contingent of border troops, including 47 land and 6 sea border detachments, as well as 9 autonomous NKVD commandant's offices. An example of tactical counteraction to an aggressor by a unit of the 13th outpost, which was part of the 90th Vladimir-Volyn border detachment under the command of Lieutenant Alexei Lopatin, deserves special attention ^{[50, p. 135]}.

During the heroic defense of the Brest Citadel, units of the 17th Red Banner Brest Border Detachment, together with the personnel of the 132nd battalion of the NKVD convoy troops, played a significant role ^[51]. Noteworthy is the fact of the exceptional courage of the commander, who led the defense for eleven days in conditions of significant numerical superiority of the enemy. During the defensive operation, he successfully evacuated the civilian population from the combat zone, after which the officer, returning to his command duties, heroically died on July 2, 1941. Lopatin was awarded the highest state award (the title of Hero of the Soviet Union) posthumously for his exceptional military prowess.

During the military operations, units of the NKVD border troops of the USSR demonstrated exceptional combat effectiveness and a high level of discipline. An analysis of historical materials shows that strict subordination was a fundamental factor in successful tactical maneuvers: the retreat was carried out only after receiving the appropriate directives from the command, while maintaining the complete organizational structure of the units ^[52].

An essential aspect of the military strategy was that the redeployment of troops was carried out taking into account the potential counteroffensive, which provided a tactical advantage in occupying defensive positions. It should be noted that not a single case of violation of the military oath or voluntary surrender was recorded.

These historical facts are a direct consequence of the effective personnel policy of the state security agencies in the pre-war period ^[53]. The professional competence of the service's management ensured the formation of highly qualified personnel capable of performing a range of special tasks in wartime conditions.

In the conditions of the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War, according to the decree of the supreme legislative body of the USSR dated 07/20/1941, two key departments (NKVD and NKGB) merged into a single power structure under the leadership of L. P. Beria. This association was due to military necessity and allowed consolidating a wide range of powers within one department. The reorganized People's Commissariat received unprecedented powers covering both the civilian sphere (municipal management, industrial construction) and the security sector, including extrajudicial justice, the penitentiary system, intelligence and counterintelligence activities, protection of state borders and security in the armed forces. Such an extensive competence of a single body was a characteristic feature of the centralized system of state administration of the war period.

In the context of the scientific analysis of military operations during the Great Patriotic War, it is necessary to note the significant contribution of the units of the People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs (NKVD) to ensuring national security. The strategic activities of the state security agencies were multi-vector and included counterintelligence activities in frontline zones, the neutralization of enemy agents in the rear territories, as well as conducting reconnaissance and sabotage operations behind the front line ^[54].

Research shows that the NKVD military formations, which included 53 divisions and 20 separate brigades, demonstrated exceptional combat effectiveness in key battles of the war. Their participation was recorded in critical defensive operations, such as the defense of the Brest Fortress, Riga, Tallinn, Mogilev, Leningrad, Kiev, Odessa and Tula. Moreover, the NKVD units made a significant contribution to the strategically important battles of Moscow, Stalingrad, the Caucasus and the Kursk Bulge, which indicates their high combat readiness and adaptability to various military scenarios.

The Soviet leadership, once again convinced of the effectiveness of state security personnel, on April 28, 1942 introduced the "Regulations on the NKVD troops guarding the rear of the active Red Army" ^{[55, p. 23]}, which defined the tasks of restoring order in the military rear, regulating the movement of refugees along the roads, detaining deserters, identifying saboteurs and spies, and fighting with them, the regulation of transportation and evacuation of property, etc. The main achievements can be highlighted that German intelligence was unable to obtain data on the preparation of counteroffensives near Moscow and Stalingrad, and the German command failed to disclose the plans of the Soviet command in the Battle of Kursk and subsequent major offensive operations of the Soviet troops.

On April 19, 1943, by secret Decree of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR No. 415-138ss, the Main Directorate of Counterintelligence SMERSH (short for "Death to Spies!") was established on the basis of the Directorate of Special Departments of the People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs, with its transfer to the USSR People's Commissariat of Defense.

In June 1945, the captured Field Marshal V. Keitel was interrogated by SMERSH investigators, during which he admitted that "The data of our (German) agents concerned only the tactical zone, and no information was ever received that would have a serious impact on the development of military operations" ^[56].

The analysis of intelligence activities during the Great Patriotic War demonstrates the high effectiveness of Soviet counterintelligence structures, in particular, the SMERSH organization. By 1944, thanks to the systematic integration of the agent network into key enemy units, including Abwehr commands, Abvergruppen and Zeppelin formations, a comprehensive information monitoring system was formed ^{[57, p. 349]}.

This strategy made it possible to carry out preventive control over the intelligence and sabotage operations of Nazi Germany by regularly receiving intelligence about planned sabotage and terrorist acts, which significantly reduced the effectiveness of the German special services.

In the context of the study of the role of state security agencies in the period 1941-1945, it is necessary to focus on two key aspects of their activities: counterintelligence operations and intelligence work behind enemy lines. Statistical data indicate the significant contribution of NKVD units to achieving victory: the destruction and capture of 217,974 enemy soldiers has been documented. The material damage inflicted on the enemy included the disabling of a significant number of military equipment: 377 armored vehicles, 40 aircraft, 45 armored vehicles. In addition, 241 vehicles, 656 artillery systems, 525 mortar launchers, 554 machine-gun emplacements, as well as other types of weapons and military equipment were destroyed or captured. ^[58].

It is necessary to note the significant role of the units of the People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs (NKVD) in achieving the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany. Research shows that the contribution of these formations was highly appreciated by the state: more than 200 NKVD soldiers were awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union, and over 100,000 soldiers and officers received various orders and medals.

It is noteworthy that the recognition of the merits of NKVD officers was not limited only to the war period. In the post-war years, their exploits were immortalized in the toponymy of cities and in architecture: numerous streets, schools and monuments were named or erected in honor of the Chekist heroes. These circumstances clearly confirm that the State security agencies continued to play an important role in ensuring national security even in peacetime, maintaining continuity with the war period in protecting the sovereignty and independence of the country.

People's Commissariat of State Security of the USSR

Taking into account the current situation on the Soviet-German front and the number of increased tasks, an expansion of the NKVD of the USSR was required. In this regard, by Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR No. 1390 dated April 14, 1943, operational units of state security were separated from the NKVD of the USSR, and the People's Commissariat of State Security of the USSR was formed from them ^[59]. V.N. Merkulov, Commissioner of State Security of the 1st rank, was appointed People's Commissar.

So, only since the beginning of its formation, during the period from 05/10/1943 to 05/20/1943, the operational groups of the 4th Directorate of the NKGB of the USSR derailed five military trains, one armored train, destroyed two locomotives, 18 wagons, seven cars, killed over 135 soldiers and officers of the German army and blew up one fuel depot (message 4- Department of the NKGB of the USSR to V.N. Merkulov dated 05/21/1943, No. 94 ^[60]).

V.N. Merkulov established the receipt of intelligence from the territory of foreign countries, especially regarding the development, production by the Americans of uranium-235 (1 pound per day), the release of a nuclear bomb and other issues of nuclear potential (letter dated January 25, 1944 No. 252/m).

3. The post–war period before the Collapse of the USSR (1946 - 1991)

This section will cover:

- People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs of the USSR;

- People's Commissariat of State Security of the USSR.

- Ministry of State Security of the USSR;

- Ministry of Internal Affairs of the USSR;

- USSR State Security Committee;

- State Security Committee of the RSFSR;

- Inter-Republican Security Service of the USSR;

- The Federal Security Agency.

In the post-war period, such scientists as E. D. Protsenko ^[61], S. A. Nevsky ^[62], A. W. Knight ^[63], E. Lezina ^[64], S. Kansikas ^[65] and others dealt with the formation of state security agencies.

The section is devoted to the reorganization and activities of the state security agencies of the USSR and the RSFSR in the period from 1946 to the collapse of the USSR in 1991, including the creation, abolition and transformation of various departments (MGB, Ministry of Internal Affairs, KGB, AFB), as well as their heads and key areas of activity.

People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs of the USSR

In the post-war period of 1945, there was a significant reorganization of the structure of the NKVD of the USSR. The process of reducing the personnel of the Active Army was regulated by law, providing for a reduction in the number of NKVD troops by 150,000 people. At the same time, it should be noted that these measures did not affect a number of strategically important units, including the border troops, the military supply system, military educational institutions, as well as the judicial and legal institutions of the NKVD troops of the USSR ^[66].

In parallel with the demobilization process, new specialized units were being formed. In particular, a Special NKVD Road Construction Corps was formed, the main function of which was the administration of the penitentiary system. By the end of 1945, he managed nine specialized camps and three penitentiary institutions with a total population of 63,000 prisoners ^{[67, p. 113]}.

People's Commissariat of State Security of the USSR

On November 15, 1945, the department "K" was organized as part of the NKGB of the USSR for the "operational and Chekist maintenance" of special-purpose facilities (engaged in the creation of an atomic bomb). By the joint order of the NKGB and the NKVD of the USSR No. 0014-0032 dated January 10, 1946, department "C" (exploration and processing of materials on the atomic problem) was transferred from the NKVD of the USSR to the NKGB of the USSR ^{[68, p. 35]}.

Ministry of State Security

By Order of the NKGB of the USSR No. 00107 dated March 22, 1946, in accordance with the USSR Law of March 15, 1946 (all People's commissariats should be renamed ministries), the NKGB of the USSR was renamed the Ministry of State Security of the USSR (hereinafter – the MGB of the USSR) ^[69], V.S. Abakumov was appointed minister.

In the post-war period, the geopolitical situation underwent significant changes, which necessitated the transformation of the structure of the USSR state security agencies. In particular, the concept of the "world revolution" has lost its relevance, which required a reorientation towards ensuring the national security of the state.

A significant institutional transformation was the reorganization of military counterintelligence in 1946. As a result of the structural changes, SMERSH was integrated into the USSR MGB system through the creation of a Third Main Directorate. This unit, headed by N.N. Selivanovsky, who was appointed deputy minister, provided counterintelligence support to the armed forces, including both the ground forces and the Navy.

In the course of his activity, V.S. Abakumov successfully performed tasks within the framework of "Aviation business" ^[70] and "Leningrad business" ^[71].

On August 9, 1951, by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, S.D. Ignatiev was appointed Minister of State Security of the USSR, in which position he was until the unification with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the USSR on March 15, 1953.

Ministry of Internal Affairs of the USSR

In accordance with the USSR Law of March 15, 1946 (all people's commissariats should be renamed ministries) and March 15, 1946. The NKVD of the USSR was renamed the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the USSR ^[72].

In the context of the political transformation that followed the death of I.V. Stalin on March 5, 1953, there was an intensification of competition between key institutional structures for a dominant position in the public administration system. This competition mainly unfolded between three main vectors of power: the law enforcement apparatus (MVD-MGB) under the leadership of L. Beria, the ideological sector (CPSU) led by G. Malenkov and N. Khrushchev, as well as the military department headed by G. Zhukov.

The reorganization of the security forces was the first significant institutional change in the post-Stalin period. At a joint meeting of the highest state authorities - the Plenum of the Central Committee of the CPSU, the Council of Ministers and the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR - it was decided to consolidate the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of State Security into a single body - the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the USSR under the leadership of L.P. Beria. This restructuring was legislated on March 15, 1953 through the adoption of the Law on the Transformation of Ministries of the USSR, which indicated a desire to centralize control over law enforcement agencies in the new political conditions.

The scientific analysis of historical data revealed that the integration of the USSR Ministry of Internal Affairs and the USSR Ministry of State Security was dictated by the need to optimize their functional responsibilities and eliminate duplication of powers in the field of state security. This reorganization contributed to an increase in the effectiveness of interdepartmental cooperation and a clear delineation of areas of responsibility.

Special attention should be paid to the figure of L. P. Beria, whose work as head of the joint department until June 26, 1953 left a significant mark on the history of the USSR. His successor was S.N. Kruglov. Beria, being an ambiguous personality, made a significant contribution to the development of various sectors of the national economy and strengthening the country's defense capability.

Among the achievements of L. P. Beria, it should be noted: the cessation of guerrilla wars in the Caucasus, the modernization of the oil industry, the creation of systematized archives, the development of methods to increase labor productivity, the introduction of advanced communication systems in the army and government. Under his leadership, the construction of strategically important industrial facilities in the Urals, the development of gold mining and other extractive industries were carried out.

L. P. Beria played a special role in the organization of foreign intelligence, the evacuation of industrial enterprises to the Urals during the Great Patriotic War, the creation of sniping and the training of highly qualified snipers for the army. His contribution to the defense of the Caucasus, the organization of logistical support and countering German sabotage activities cannot be overestimated.

The final chord of Beria's activity was his participation in the creation of the USSR nuclear shield, the development of rocket science and the space industry, as well as laying the foundations for the peaceful use of atomic energy.

The multidisciplinary competence of representatives of State security agencies, in particular their management level, is convincingly confirmed by the demonstrated performance results.

By decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated January 13, 1960, the USSR Ministry of Internal Affairs was abolished, and its functions were transferred to the Ministries of Internal Affairs of the Union republics (Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the USSR dated January 13, 1960 No. 44-16).

USSR State Security Committee

In the context of the reorganization of the USSR state security agencies, the State Security Committee under the Council of Ministers of the USSR was established on March 13, 1954. This decision was the result of a comprehensive analysis of the existing structure of the USSR Ministry of Internal Affairs and was aimed at optimizing its functioning.

The reform initiative came from S. N. Kruglov, who on February 4, 1954 put forward a proposal to restructure the ministry. The main concept was to separate the operational security units into an autonomous agency. This measure had a dual purpose: firstly, to limit the extent of the influence of the Ministry of Internal Affairs on domestic political processes in the country, and secondly, to minimize potential risks to Khrushchev's political course.

Additionally, the reform project provided for a significant reduction in the staffing of both structures, which should have contributed to improving the efficiency of their activities. It is noteworthy that this initiative was approved as soon as possible - on February 8, 1954, the proposal was approved, which indicates its relevance and compliance with the strategic interests of the state.

From 1954 to 1958, the KGB was led by I. A. Serov, from 1958 to 1961 by A. N. Shelepin, from 1961 to 1967 by V. E. Semichastny, from 1967 to 1982 by Yu.V. Andropov, from May to December 1982 by V. V. Fedorchuk, from 1982 to 1988 by V. M. Chebrikov, from 1988 to August 1991 – V. A. Kryuchkov, from August to November 1991 – V. V. Bakatin.

As part of the scientific analysis of the activities of the KGB of the USSR under the leadership of Yu.V. Andropov, one can state a significant increase in the influence of this organization on all aspects of the functioning of Soviet society ^[73]. The key factor that ensured the effectiveness of the system was the formation of an extensive network of district departments that exercised comprehensive control over enterprises and institutions. The integration of KGB officers into various structures of the State apparatus, including the media, contributed to the creation of a pervasive surveillance system.

Simultaneously with the strengthening of the KGB's position, measures were taken under Andropov's leadership to combat corruption in the commercial sector. Statistical data indicate a positive trend in economic indicators in 1983: national income increased by 3.1%, industrial production by 4%, and agricultural production by 6%. In general, the growth rate of the USSR economy reached 4.2%, which can be considered as an indirect confirmation of the effectiveness of the policy ^[74]. It was this leader who prevented the appearance of missiles in Europe in matters of international policy, adhering to the principles and rigidity of his position, which is confirmed by the fact that when in July 1983, German Chancellor Helmut Kohl and Foreign Minister Hans Genscher raised the issue of deploying American Pershing missiles in Europe, Yu.V. Andropov stated that "we will take retaliatory measures." So, on September 1, 1983, Yu.V. Andropov demonstrated the decisiveness of his intentions when a South Korean Boeing 747 was shot down in the skies over Sakhalin while flying over the territory of the USSR (deepened to 500 km), which, according to scientists, prevented the appearance of missiles in Europe ^[75].

In the process of historical evolution, a significant transformation of the organizational structure of the USSR state security agencies took place. A significant stage of the reorganization was the relocation in 1957 of the border troops from the department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to the subordination of the KGB, which led to the formation of a specialized Main Directorate of the border Troops. The State Security Committee carried out a multi-vector activity, including a set of strategic tasks: the implementation of intelligence and counterintelligence operations, conducting operational search activities, ensuring the protection of the USSR's state borders, and organizing government communication systems. In addition, the KGB was responsible for countering criminal elements, suppressing anti-state activities, combating nationalist movements and dissidence, and, until 1990, ensuring the security of the CPSU leadership and members of the USSR Government.

In the course of the historical evolution of the USSR state security agencies, a consistent formation of specialized structural units took place. Initially, in order to counter anti-Soviet elements, the fifth directorate was established (1967). Subsequently, the organizational structure expanded: the fourth directorate was created, which provided counterintelligence support for the transport complex (1981), the sixth directorate, specializing in industrial counterintelligence (1982). The final stage of this process was the creation of the Directorate for combating organized crime in In 1990.

The scientific approach of training the operational staff of the state security agencies and intelligence officers of the border troops should be emphasized.

Thus, in 1959, the collection of the KGB under the Council of Ministers of the USSR (No. 001482) was first published, the purpose of which was to study and summarize the experience gained by state security agencies in the fight against foreign intelligence agencies and other enemies of the Soviet state and expand the operational horizons of employees. The first editorial board consisted of Lieutenant General E. P. Pitovranov, Major Generals P. P. Makariev, G. F. Naumushin, N. F. Chistyakov, F. A. Shcherbak, and Colonel A.V. Tishkov ^[76].

The second collection was published in 1963 (No. 001407), which also reflected one of the basic principles of the modern Federal Security Service, namely conspiracy. On page 5 of the collection there was a heading: "Tirelessly increase vigilance and secrecy in the work of state security agencies" ^{[77, p. 5]}.

The collection was published until 1990, the last issue was issue 146-147 (August-September).

Moreover, the Higher Red Banner School of the State Security Committee under the Council of Ministers of the USSR named after F.E. Dzerzhinsky began publishing "Proceedings of the Higher School", the total number of printed works is 45.

However, the effectiveness of this approach cannot be overestimated. Thus, in the 2nd collection "Proceedings of the Higher School" (No. 9722) of 1971, of all those published, only one of the 17 was a candidate of law ^[78]. In the 44th collection (No. 17936) of 1988, 24 of all published employees had an academic degree out of 39 ^[79].

Consequently, if in 1971 the number of scientists was 5.9% of the number of published, then in 1988 this figure became 61.5%, which indicates an increase in the general level of consciousness and professionalism.

This approach has made it possible to better train employees with an analytical mindset and able to think scientifically.

State Security Committee of the RSFSR

In the context of the transformation of the state structures of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR), a significant event in the field of national security took place in the early 1990s. On May 6, 1991, the establishment of the State Security Committee of the RSFSR (KGB of the RSFSR) was officially recorded, which received the status of the Union-Republican State Committee.

This decision was implemented in accordance with the resolution of the Congress of People's Deputies of the RSFSR and was signed by Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR Boris Yeltsin and Chairman of the KGB of the USSR V. A. Kryuchkov. V.V. Ivanenko was appointed to the post of head of the newly formed body.

It is noteworthy that in the early period of its existence, the KGB of the RSFSR functioned with a minimal staff. However, as the KGB of the USSR disintegrated in the fall of 1991, there was a tendency to expand the powers and increase the number of staff of the republican committee.

Inter-Republican Security Service

In the context of the political transformations of the late 20th century, there was a significant reorganization of the security structures of the USSR. The key moment of these transformations was the detention of the head of the State Security Committee, V. Kryuchkov, who was accused of involvement in the activities of the Emergency Committee, which occurred on August 21, 1991. The subsequent restructuring of the KGB was characterized by a large-scale allocation of specialized units: the structures responsible for government communications, cryptographic protection and electronic intelligence were extracted. The security system of senior management has undergone a significant transformation: The Ninth Directorate of the KGB of the USSR underwent reorganization into the Directorate of Security at the office of the President of the USSR. In parallel, the redeployment of paramilitary units was carried out - certain units were reintegrated into the structure of the USSR Ministry of Defense.

On November 28, 1991, President of the USSR Mikhail Gorbachev signed a Decree "On approval of the Interim Regulations on the Inter-Republican Security Service." The head was appointed V. V. Bakatin (from November 1991 to December 1991).

On December 3, 1991, the President of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, approved a regulatory document regulating the restructuring of state security agencies. This decision marked the end of the functioning of the USSR State Security Committee, which lasted 37 years, which is a record among similar structures in the country's history.

According to the adopted law, two new organizations were formed on the basis of the abolished KGB: the Inter-Republican Security Service and the Central Intelligence Service of the USSR. The latter later transformed into the modern Foreign Intelligence Service of the Russian Federation. Thus, this legislative act initiated the process of reorganizing the state security system, adapting it to the new political realities.

Federal Security Agency

As a result of the study of the transformation processes of state security agencies, it was established that during the leadership of Yu.V. Andropov, the KGB of the USSR reached the maximum level of effectiveness in ensuring the national security of the country. The professional dedication of the security staff was maintained even in the context of the structural transformation of the organization. Scientific analysis of historical documents shows that on November 26, 1991, a significant reorganization of the department took place: by presidential decree of Boris Yeltsin, the KGB of the RSFSR was transformed into the Federal Security Agency of the RSFSR. The researchers note that this transformation was due to the need for a terminological update of the structure. The newly created AFB of the RSFSR was led by V. V. Ivanenko in the period from November to December 1991, which became a significant stage in the evolution of the state security agencies of the Russian Federation.

4. The modern period (1991 – present)

This section will cover:

- Ministry of Security of the Russian Federation;

- Federal Counterintelligence Service of the Russian Federation;

- The Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation.

The section is devoted to the reorganization of the state security agencies of the Russian Federation in the period from 1991 to the present, including the creation and transformation of the Ministry of Security of the Russian Federation, the Federal Counterintelligence Service of the Russian Federation and the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation.

Ministry of Security of the Russian Federation

In connection with the ratification by the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR of the Agreement on the Establishment of the Commonwealth of Independent States dated December 8, 1991 and in order to ensure the security of the Russian Federation, Decree No. 289 of the President of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic dated December 19, 1991 "On the Formation of the Ministry of Security and Internal Affairs of the RSFSR" was issued, which was subsequently repealed by the decision of the Constitutional Court of the RSFSR of On January 14, 1992, No. 1-P-U.

In the process of the historical transformation of State institutions that followed the disintegration of the Soviet Union on December 26, 1991, a significant reorganization of State security agencies took place. Structural changes in this area were legislated by presidential decree of January 24, 1992, according to which the Ministry of Security of the Russian Federation was formed by merging the Federal Security Agency of the RSFSR and the Inter-Republican Security Service. The newly created department was led successively by two ministers: V. P. Barannikov, who headed the ministry from the beginning of its foundation until mid-1993, and his successor N. M. Golushko, who held office until December 1993.

Federal Counterintelligence Service of the Russian Federation

On December 21, 1993, Russian President Boris Yeltsin signed Decree No. 2233 abolishing the Ministry of Security and establishing the Federal Counterintelligence Service (hereinafter referred to as the FSK RF). As the basis for this action, he pointed out that "The system of organs of the CHEKA-OGPU-NKVD-NKGB-MGB-KGB-MB turned out to be unreformable."

During the reorganization of the state security agencies of the Russian Federation, carried out on January 5, 1994, there was a significant decomposition of the structure of the Federal Counterintelligence Service. As a result of these transformations, penitentiary institutions, including the Lefortovo detention center, were transferred to the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. At the same time, the Border Guard Service was separated into an autonomous organizational unit. The liquidation of the Investigative Department significantly limited the operational investigative potential of the department. Subsequently, after analyzing the decline in the effectiveness of the Federal Drug Control Service of the Russian Federation, the top leadership of the state initiated the process of reforming the service with the partial restoration of pre-existing powers.

The Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation

In accordance with the legislative act "On the Bodies of the Federal Security Service in the Russian Federation," approved by President Boris Yeltsin on April 3, 1995, the state security structure was reorganized, as a result of which the FSB acquired the status of the successor to the Federal Security Service. A significant expansion of the department's operational potential was ensured by the inclusion of the Investigative Department in its composition, as well as the return of the Lefortovo detention center under the jurisdiction of the service.

Over the following years, the department was managed successively by several directors: M. I. Barsukov (07.1995-06.1996), N. D. Kovalev (07.1996-07.1998), V. V. Putin (07.1998-08.1999), N. P. Patrushev (08.1999-05.2008). From May 2008 to the present, the position of Director of the FSB has been held by A.V. Bortnikov, who carries out the strategic management of the organization.

In the context of the structural reorganization of the state security agencies of the Russian Federation at the end of the 20th century, there was a significant expansion of the functional potential of the special services. A significant milestone was the formation of specialized units within the FSB Economic Security Directorate (April 3, 1999), which included four key areas: counterintelligence support for the industrial sector (Directorate "P"), transport infrastructure (Directorate "T"), financial and credit system (Directorate "K") and countering drug trafficking (Directorate "N").

The previous stage of the institutional transformation was the creation of the Office of Constitutional Security (July 6, 1998), which was subsequently integrated into the Department of Anti-Terrorist Activities. According to the statement of the head of the department, G. Zotov, the priority task of the structure was to counteract domestic political destabilization.

As a result of the structural reorganization of the State security agencies carried out on March 11, 2003, a significant change took place in the system of special services of the Russian Federation. This reform led to the integration of the Border Guard Service into the Federal Security Service, as well as to the redistribution of functions and logistical resources of the Federal Agency for Government Communications and Information between the FSB and the Federal Security Service.

An analysis of these transformations allows us to conclude that a centralized structure has been formed, in many ways resembling the model of the USSR State Security Committee. At the same time, it should be noted that a number of specialized departments have retained their autonomy. These include the Foreign Intelligence Service, as well as the bodies responsible for ensuring the security of senior government officials, control over drug trafficking and the construction of special-purpose facilities.

March 6, 2006 Vladimir Putin signs the law "On Countering Terrorism": the FSB officially heads the fight against terrorism, its director coordinates the actions of all departments in this direction as chairman of the National Anti-Terrorism Committee. Thus, the fight against terrorism is officially recognized as the main priority of the special services.

The security agencies of our state are a powerful force capable of effectively countering threats to state stability and the lives of Russian citizens. The work of many operational staff, employees of information, analytical and technical departments is habitually invisible to millions of ordinary people, but Russia can rightfully be proud of its special services, be confident in their loyalty to duty and readiness to defend the Motherland in any trials.

Conclusion

The history of state security agencies dates back more than a hundred years, and we have reviewed the pre-war, military, post-war, and modern periods of their formation. In the process of describing the services, their leaders were emphasized, including personalities who have gone down forever in the history of our state, such as F.E. Dzerzhinsky, L.P. Beria, Yu.V. Andropov, and others.

In the first section, the pre-war period was considered, which lasted from 6 (19).12.1917 to 06/22/1941. In this period, the prerequisites for the creation of the State security service, as well as the circumstances under which the service was reformed, were considered. In the process of describing the reform of the services (CHEKA, GPU, OGPU, NKVD, NKVD of the USSR and NKGB of the USSR), special attention was also paid to significant historical successes.

As the analysis of the first section shows, during the entire pre-war period of the formation of state security agencies, employees performed all the tasks assigned to them at a highly professional level, which allowed them to be not only a trained unified centralized combat system by the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, but also competently, promptly and comprehensively solve tasks already in wartime.

In the second section, the NKVD of the USSR and the NKGB of the USSR were considered during the war (from 06/22/1941 to 05/09/1945). During the analysis, the peculiarity of the services and operating units, such as SMERSH, was emphasized. The importance of the border guards, who played an important role in the early days of the war, was also noted. The NKVD officers themselves destroyed a large number of personnel, weapons and military equipment of the German army, as well as engaged in intelligence activities behind enemy lines and suppressed similar enemy activities on Soviet territory, as a result of which the enemy was never able to obtain information that would have a serious impact on the development of military operations. The NKGB of the USSR simultaneously carried out activities to obtain intelligence from the territory of foreign countries, especially with regard to the creation of a nuclear bomb and other nuclear potential issues, as well as to undermine the economic security of opponents and potential enemies of the Fatherland.

The third section considered the post-war period, before the collapse of the USSR, from 05/09/1945 to 12/26/1991. During this period, the activities of the service and the process of its reform were analyzed: the NKVD of the USSR, the NKGB of the USSR, the MGB of the USSR, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the USSR, the KGB of the USSR, the KGB of the RSFSR, the MSB of the USSR and the AFB of the RSFSR.

The main stage of formation in the history of the state security service, in our opinion, falls precisely on the post-war period, when the KGB of the USSR was created, which existed for 37 years. During this time, the service has achieved positive results, such as preventing the appearance of missiles in Europe, well-functioning networks of KGB regional departments, a scientific approach to personnel training, foreign intelligence activities involving employees permanently residing abroad, employees were embedded in all parts of the state machine, on radio and television, and the fight against corruption, which increased the growth rate of the USSR economy by 4.2%, national income by 3.1%, industrial production by 4%, agricultural production by 6%, etc. It was during this period that the service turned into a powerful and powerful system that controlled almost all spheres of life in Soviet society, which made it possible to prevent crimes until they were committed.

The fourth section is devoted to the modern period from December 26, 1991 to the present. In this section, the MB of the Russian Federation, the FSK of the Russian Federation and the FSB of the Russian Federation were considered.

Despite the attempt to limit the functionality of the service and separate separate areas of activity from its subordination, it does not take two years before the FSB of the Russian Federation is formed and returns absolutely full functionality of powers and related functions. Consequently, in the historical aspect, no matter how the service was reformed, the country's rulers had to return all the powers and rights related to the structure each time, since otherwise the level of security of the Russian state itself decreases, as history has repeatedly shown.

Thus, the principles of the modern federal security service are based on the traditions led by the founder and leaders of this structure, namely, the unity of the system of bodies, centralization of management, respect for and observance of human and civil rights and freedoms, legality, humanism and conspiracy, combining public and secret methods and means of activity, which was clearly presented in the first the section.

The flexibility of this system attracts special attention, since, despite the political and reorganizing changes in various periods of the service's formation, it was able to preserve traditions and basic principles, as well as remain the centralized force that the Russian state and its people can rely on.

The staff of these services, in the performance of their duties, showed high professionalism and love for the Motherland, which is clearly reflected in the historical aspect both in peacetime and in wartime.

It should be noted that the process of formation of the modern FSB of Russia has gone through a thorny path, where it has become a single centralized system that solves the tasks of ensuring the security of the Russian Federation. Thanks to the available history, the FSB of Russia successfully ensures state security from external and internal enemies at a highly professional level, which is once again demonstrated in modern realities.