Putin reported receiving data on the detention of Ukrainian saboteurs in Slovakia

Russian security services have reported that Ukrainian saboteurs were detained in Slovakia with maps of the location of energy facilities. This was reported by Russian President Vladimir Putin during the "Results of the Year" on December 19.

"Quite recently our special services reported to me that in Slovakia, I think, saboteurs have been detained. And it is clear that these are Ukrainian saboteurs with maps of the location of gas energy facilities in Slovakia," he said.

The Russian leader said he would ask his colleagues to clarify the situation.

"I repeat once again, they are feeding off the hand, pecking off the hand and have already moved on to attempts to carry out terrorist attacks on the territory of Europe. But this is their choice," the President said.

The head of state also recalled that Ukraine decided not to extend the contract on gas transit. In his opinion, this does not represent a problem for Russia.

"This contract (transit gas through Ukraine to European consumers. - Ed.) will not happen, everything is already clear. Well, then it is good, we will survive, [the company] Gazprom will survive it," the Russian leader concluded.

Earlier, on September 5, Putin said at the plenary session of the IX Eastern Economic Forum (VEF-2024) in Vladivostok that Russia is not giving up gas transit through Ukraine. According to Putin, Gazprom intends to fulfill all its obligations under long-term contracts, including transit. He specified that the contract on gas supply through Ukraine ends on December 31.

The direct line with Vladimir Putin in 2024 is combined with a press conference for the media. The format called "Results of the Year with Vladimir Putin" allows the president to convey his position not only on citizens' issues, but also on the state and world agenda, which is often asked by journalists.

Representatives of Western media and foreign journalists accredited in Russia have also received invitations to the events. As of the morning of December 19, the number of requests sent to the direct line with the president exceeded 2 million.

The first live broadcast was held in December 2001. By the President's own admission, this event is the most powerful sociological poll, which allows citizens to convey their position and assessment of the country's leadership.

The latest news about the "Results of the Year with Vladimir Putin - 2024" - in the Izvestia story.