Putin cues Russia’s intelligence agencies to detect more ‘traitors, spies, and saboteurs’
In a recorded greeting to the Russian “state security workers” on their day, Russian President Vladimir Putin urged branches of the security and intelligence apparatus to intensify their work in key areas. In light of new risks and threats to the state, Putin said, key directions include countering terrorism and extremism, and defending the state borders.
Putin told the so-called “special services” to keep a tight control over places of mass gatherings, strategic facilities, transportation, and the energy infrastructure:
Maximal alertness and concentration of all powers are required of counter-intelligence workers, including those in the military. We must put a sharp end to foreign intelligence activity, detecting promptly any traitors, spies, and saboteurs.
Putin noted the role of state security workers in the “new regions of Russia.” “Of course,” he said, “you’re having a tough time, as the situation in the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, and in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, is extremely difficult.” Putin promised to send new equipment, weapons, and “experienced personnel” to the annexed Ukrainian territories.