RFE/RL, the service dedicated to reporting the news in 20 countries where a free press is banned by the government or not fully established, has just published a commentary by Professor Mark Galeotti on corruption within the Russian armed forces. Linked with a breaking story relating to General Shamanov, commander-in-chief of the Russian paratroopers, it considers how far the government is likely to launch a more general crackdown and the extent to which a proposed military reform program represents a potential bonanza for criminals within the High Command. Its downbeat conclusion is that ‘Whatever happens to Shamanov, the likelihood is that Russia’s dirty generals will continue to enjoy business as usual – so long as they keep a low profile.’

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