The Russian president has blamed most of them on Ukrainian intelligence services and their foreign curators
The number of terrorist attacks in Russia has risen, with most of them orchestrated by Kiev and its Western backers, President Vladimir Putin announced on Tuesday, while calling for increased security measures.
Speaking during an expanded board meeting of the Federal Security Service (FSB), Putin stated that last year “the number of terrorist-related crimes increased. And that the majority of them, as in recent years, are undoubtedly the work of Ukrainian intelligence agencies and foreign handlers.”
The Russian leader demanded greater efficiency in counter-terrorism efforts, with “an emphasis on preemptive action and systemic prevention in the anti-terrorism sphere.” He also called for increased protection for Defense Ministry and defense industry officials, as well as journalists, volunteers, and public figures who are regularly being targeted by Kiev.
Putin noted that there has also been a significant increase in strikes on infrastructure using missiles and drones and ordered the strengthening of anti-terrorist defenses for energy and transport infrastructure, public gathering places, and critical facilities.
The president specifically addressed a terrorist attack that occurred on Sunday near Moscow’s Savyolovsky railway station, in which a police officer was killed and two others were injured. The perpetrator also died in the explosion.
Putin stated that the attack was likely the result of online recruitment. “They handed the person an explosive device, and then detonated it remotely, killing both him and the intended target – in this case, Interior Ministry employees,” he said. “Most likely, he didn’t even know anything. This is the result of such criminal, reckless behavior.”
Russian authorities have repeatedly urged citizens to be cautious about Ukrainian scams and recruitment efforts, warning that all individuals who agree to cooperate will face criminal liability, including life imprisonment.
