Putin orders FSB to step up surveillance of Russians and borders

Monday's (19 December) order by President Vladimir Putin to the Federal Security Services was to increase surveillance of Russian society, borders and societies in order to protect the country from threats from abroad and foreign traitors.

Putin spoke ahead of Tuesday's Security Services Day, which is widely celebrated in Russia. He stated that the "emergence of new dangers" makes it more urgent to increase intelligence activity.

Putin said: "Work must be intensified through border services and Federal Security Service (FSB).

"Any attempt to breach it (the border), must be stopped quickly and effectively with all forces and means available, including mobile action units or special forces."

Putin directed the FSB "to maximize their operational, technical, and personnel potential" in order to tighten control over the society.

The FSB is the main successor of the Soviet-era KGB. Moscow's invasion of Ukraine involved a wide range security services.

According to a transcript of Putin's speech, which was translated by Reuters and provided by the Kremlin, Putin said: "Maximum composure and concentration of forces are now required by counterintelligence agencies including military intelligence.

"It is essential to severely suppress foreign special services' actions, quickly identify traitors and spies, and saboteurs."

Alexander Bortnikov (aligned with Putin) will lead the FSB. He will increase surveillance of mass gatherings, strategic facilities, and energy infrastructure.

Demonstrations and dissent in Russia have been quickly quelled since the beginning of the war. In September, more than 1,300 were detained at protests against Putin's 300,000.

Putin admitted that the invasion of Ukraine was not going as planned. He said that the situation in Ukraine's areas that Moscow annexed in September is "very difficult". And he ordered the FSB "safety" for those living in the regions.

Putin promised them more "modern equipment, weapons" and said that it was their duty to "ensure their security to the highest level, respect their rights and freedoms."

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is now in its 10th month. There is no stopping it. This conflict is Europe's most severe since World War Two. It has claimed the lives of tens of thousands, driven millions of people from their homes and left cities in ruins.

Moscow describes its invasion as a "special operation" meant to demilitarize and denazify its neighbor. Kyiv and its West allies call it an unprovoked aggression war to seize land.

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