President Vladimir Putin said Friday that Russia halted the activity of 400 employees of foreign intelligence services in the country in 2015, the state-run TASS news agency reported.
“Foreign intelligence services are increasing their activity in Russia, and the past year clearly confirmed this,” Putin said at the Federal Security Service (FSB) collegium, according to TASS.
Twenty-three of the 400 secret service agents are now subject to criminal responsibility, according to Putin.
The president also said that Russia's enemies are preparing for the country's parliamentary elections in September.
“It is necessary to stop any outside attempts to interfere in the election process, in our internal political life,” Putin said, according to the news agency.
In addition to that, Putin asked the FSB to tighten control over the flow of refugees to Russia and through its territory to Europe.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
