- By Soumyaroop Mukherjee
- Fri, 05 Dec 2025 02:22 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Siloviki In Russia: Russian President Vladimir Putin is on a two-day visit to India, where he will be discussing trade, oil, and defence with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is the first visit of the Russian President since the country was caught up in a cross-border conflagration with Ukraine. The Russian President visits only a few countries in the world due to the arrest warrants against him issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Putin, considered one of the most powerful men in the world, has a fixed coterie of people whom he refers to before making every major decision. This group is known as the famous ‘Solviki Circle’, which follows the Russian President like a shadow. Putin is always surrounded by the "Siloviki Circle," and while they are around, not even a bird can stray near him.
Who Are The Silovikis In Russia?
The Siloviki circle refers to a group of seven closest individuals of the Russian President Vladimir Putin. The list includes intelligence agents and many of Putin’s most trusted associates. The ‘Siloviki Circle’ acts as a catalyst behind every major move made by the Russian President. The circle always shadows the Russian President and always advises him before any decision.
What Does The Word ‘Siloviki’ Mean?
The term Siloviki is a direct translation of "men of force" or "security men." It generally means senior-ranking officials with previous experience in security agencies, such as the KGB and who dominate in matters concerning national security and defense. The term first appeared in the early Boris Yeltsin era to describe military and security-style uniformed services (e.g., military, police, security agencies like the FSB).
However, the ascent of siloviki into the political elite began during Yeltsin's second term (around 1996) when the broader elite sought to consolidate power and stop revolutionary changes.
Who All Are Part Of The ‘Siloviki’ Circle?
The following members are part of the Siloviki circle:
- Nikolai Patrushev- Head of the Security Council of Russia
- Sergei Naryshkin- Head of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR)
- Alexander Bortnikov- Director of Russia's domestic intelligence agency, the FSB
- Sergei Shoigu- Chief of Military Intelligence
- Valery Gerasimov- General of the Russian Armed Forces
- Anton Vaino- Chief of Staff of the Russian President's Office
- Yuri Kovalchuk- Putin's closest associate, does not hold any government position but remains with President Putin like a shadow
How Was Siloviki Circle Formed?
The ‘Siloviki Circle’ was formed during the late 1990s and early 2000s when Russian President Vladimir Putin rose to power. Putin himself was a former KGB agent, and consequently, most members of the circle come from the background of the KGB and FSB. Most of the members of the Siloviki Circle are people with whom President Putin had worked in the past during his time at St Petersburg.
Most of the members of the Siloviki Circle share a common background, prominent during the Soviet era, "once a chekist, always a chekist" mentality, and loyalty to the state. They tend to share a conservative, anti-Western, and statist ideology, advocating for a strong Russian state and national prestige. However, the circle is not a formal organisation in the country and remains secretive about its movement.