Putin: 230 Foreign Spies Identified in Russia This Year

December 21, 2014

Putin notes growth in foreign intelligence activity in Russia

MOSCOW, December 20. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has noted a growth in activities of foreign special services in Russia.

“Extreme composure and mobilization is demanded from the counterintelligence units,” Putin said at a gala night marking Day of Security Service Officers on Saturday. “Activity of foreign special services working on Russia is on the rise since only the counterintelligence service alone has exposed 230 employees and agents of foreign intelligence.”

The head of state underscored that protection of the state border should be in the focus of attention.

“The Foreign Intelligence Service is faced with a broad range of tasks, first of all prognosis and analysis of possible risks and threats, along with assessment of the current and probable development of key international events,” Putin said.

Also, he said words of gratitude to officers of the Federal Guard Service for their strenuous work while ensuring security for visitors and athletes at the Sochi Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

Russian President also has urged the security service officers to step up the effectiveness of their fight against terrorism and extremism.

“This year, thanks to your resolute activities about 60 terrorism-related crimes have been prevented, including eight terrorist plots. The activities of 46 terrorist and extremist organisations have been stopped in the country,” Putin said.

He said that efficiency of preventive anti-terrorism measures should be stepped up and cooperation with institutions of the civil society in counteracting terrorism, extremism, nationalism and xenophobia should be strengthened.