Kremlin Regiment
A special military regiment of Russia’s Federal Protective Service responsible for Kremlin security, ceremonial protection, and selected state honors.
Last updated August 26, 2026
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History
The regiment developed from the security formations established after the Soviet government moved to the Moscow Kremlin in 1918. Latvian Riflemen initially guarded the complex, followed by cadets from the 1st Soviet Joint Military School after the riflemen departed for the Civil War fronts. In 1924, the cadets also assumed responsibility for guarding Lenin’s Mausoleum. A Special Purpose Battalion replaced the military-school detachment in 1935. On 28 January 1936, the battalion and the Kremlin Garrison Commandant’s Office were transferred to the NKVD. On 8 April 1936, the battalion became a Special Purpose Regiment, a date recognized as the unit’s institutional birthday. During the Second World War, the regiment guarded the Kremlin while it housed the Soviet State Defense Committee and senior military headquarters. It strengthened the defenses of the walls and maintained continuous guard duties. Four sniper groups were sent to the Western and Volkhov Fronts in 1942–1943. The regiment received the Order of the Red Banner in 1944, and three battalions marched in the 1945 Victory Parade. It later received another Red Banner decoration in 1965 and the Order of the October Revolution in 1973. The unit underwent several postwar designation changes, including reorganization as a Separate Special Purpose Regiment in 1952 and as the Separate Red Banner Kremlin Regiment in the 1970s. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, its institutional affiliation changed. In 1993, it was placed under the Federal Protective Service and adopted its current designation. Mausoleum guard duties ended during the political upheaval of that year, but a 1997 presidential decree restored the regiment’s responsibility for Post No. 1 at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Eternal Flame. A ceremonial cavalry capability was created in 2002 from the former 11th Cavalry Regiment. Beginning in 2004, the cavalry participated in scheduled guard-mounting ceremonies on Cathedral Square. It also appears at presidential inaugurations, Victory Day celebrations, selected national parades, and ceremonial equestrian programs. The regiment’s Presidential Band provides music for official receptions and state ceremonies. The regiment’s public presentation combines active military dress with historically themed uniforms. A new regimental color modeled on Imperial Guard standards was introduced in 2006, alongside uniforms drawing on Russian Imperial Guard designs. Modern uniforms retain Soviet-influenced elements. In 2015, a platoon used a Second World War-inspired uniform at the Spasskaya Tower Military Music Festival and Tattoo. In 2016, a woman officer participated in a cavalry guard-mounting ceremony for the first time. The regiment remains an active FSO special unit whose duties combine protective security, military service, ceremonial display, and commemoration.
- 2016
First woman officer joins cavalry guard mounting
[1]A woman officer participated in the cavalry guard-mounting ceremony for the first time, in an event livestreamed online.
- 2006
New ceremonial color and historical uniforms introduced
[1]The regiment received a new color inspired by Imperial Guard standards and expanded its historically styled ceremonial dress.
- 2004
Cathedral Square guard mounting introduced
[1]The regiment began a recurring public guard-mounting ceremony on Cathedral Square.
- 2002
Presidential cavalry escort formed
[1]A cavalry escort unit was created within the regiment on the basis of the former 11th Cavalry Regiment.
- 1997
Post No. 1 guard restored
[1]A presidential decree restored the regiment’s permanent guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Eternal Flame.
- 1993
Transferred to the Federal Protective Service
[1]The regiment received its current designation and became part of the post-Soviet federal protective structure.
- 1973
Received the Order of the October Revolution
[1]The regiment received a major Soviet state decoration and was known thereafter as the Separate Red Banner Kremlin Regiment.
- 1967
Participated in Tomb of the Unknown Soldier ceremony
[1]The regiment took part in the unveiling ceremony for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Alexander Garden.
- 1945
Participated in the Moscow Victory Parade
[1]Three regiment battalions took part in the Victory Parade on Red Square.
- 1944
Awarded the Order of the Red Banner
[1]The regiment received the Order of the Red Banner for wartime service.
Products and positioning
A prestigious state security and ceremonial military formation representing the Russian presidency, the Moscow Kremlin, and national remembrance.
Protective security · 1936
Kremlin protective security
The regiment’s core operational role is protecting the Moscow Kremlin, its buildings and contents, and senior state officials. It operates as a special unit within the Federal Protective Service rather than as an independent commercial security provider.
Ceremonial guard · 1997
Post No. 1 honor guard
The regiment maintains the honor guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Eternal Flame in Alexander Garden. This duty was restored by presidential decree in 1997 and serves as a highly visible national remembrance function.
Military music
Presidential Band
The Presidential Band of the Russian Federation is affiliated with the regiment and performs at official ceremonies, state receptions, and events involving senior officials. It forms part of the military ceremonial representation associated with the Russian presidency.
Ceremonial cavalry · 2002
Presidential Cavalry Escort
Formed in 2002, the cavalry escort participates in presidential inaugurations, Victory Day events, selected military parades, Cathedral Square guard mountings, and equestrian demonstrations. Its uniforms and displays draw on both Soviet cavalry and Imperial Guard traditions.
Brand decisions
2006
Expansion of historically styled ceremonial presentationOtherBackground
The regiment maintained both modern military dress and historically referential ceremonial traditions.
Action taken
It introduced a new regimental color modeled on Imperial Guard standards and adopted additional uniforms inspired by pre-1914 Russian military dress.
Aftermath
The regiment’s public ceremonies developed a distinctive visual combination of contemporary state security, Soviet military heritage, and Imperial-era symbolism.
2002
Creation of the ceremonial cavalry escortOtherBackground
The regiment expanded its public ceremonial capabilities after the incorporation of personnel and functions associated with the former 11th Cavalry Regiment.
Action taken
A cavalry escort unit was established within the Presidential Regiment.
Aftermath
The cavalry became part of presidential inaugurations, national commemorations, guard mountings, and selected parade events.
1997
Restoration of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier guardStrategyBackground
The regiment’s Mausoleum guard duties had ended after the Soviet Union’s collapse.
Action taken
A presidential decree assigned the regiment responsibility for guarding Post No. 1 at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and its Eternal Flame.
Aftermath
The regiment resumed a central ceremonial role in Russian military remembrance.
1993
Adoption of the current Presidential Regiment designationStrategyBackground
The post-Soviet restructuring of state security institutions followed the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the constitutional crisis of 1993.
Action taken
The regiment was placed under the Federal Protective Service and received its current designation.
Aftermath
The unit continued its Kremlin protection role while its former Mausoleum guard responsibility was discontinued during this period.
Sources2 sources
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