FSB's expanding power transforms Russia into 'FSB State' ahead of elections

Le Monde reports that Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has expanded its powers uncontrollably since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, effectively turning the country into an 'FSB State' where legislative elections are meaningless. The article claims the FSB now operates beyond any control, muzzling political opposition. This represents a continuation of the consolidation of security services under Putin, but the explicit framing as an 'FSB State' signals a qualitative shift in governance.