MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused members of Western security services of helping Ukraine stage “terror attacks” in Russian and annexed Ukrainian territories.
Speaking at a meeting of the Kremlin’s security council on Wednesday, Putin claimed that there were grounds to assert that the potential of third countries, particularly Western intelligence services, was being used to stage sabotage and terrorist attacks without providing any evidence.
He also claimed that “neo-Nazis and their accomplices” were acting in Russia as well as the annexed Ukrainian territories, including the regions of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.
Putin warned that criminal groups, including drug traffickers, were taking advantage of the current situation and urged officials to act in a “tough and effective manner” against what he called “neo-Nazi and other radical groups.”
According to Putin, “an absolute majority of citizens in the new regions” favor ties with Russia, and he called for officials to ensure “reliable control over the situation.”
He also emphasized the need for Russia to protect its citizens in the annexed territories.
Escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine
The accusations come amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, particularly in the Donbass region, where Russian-backed separatists have been fighting Ukrainian forces since 2014.
The West has imposed a series of sanctions on Russia over its actions in Ukraine, and the United States and its allies have recently expressed concern over a buildup of Russian troops near the Ukrainian border.
While Putin’s accusations of Western involvement in “terror attacks” have yet to be substantiated, they are likely to further strain relations between Russia and the West.
