Putin congratulates security workers on their professional holiday

On December 20, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated employees and veterans of security agencies on their professional holiday.

"Today we honor professionals and patriots who firmly stand guard over Russia's national interests. Protect its constitutional order and territorial integrity. Ensure the security of citizens, society and the state from internal and external threats. Throughout the centuries-long history of our motherland, security agencies have been its faithful, strong support. And today it is our duty to remember the glorious and heroic path of the national security services," he said.

The President noted that security officers also made a huge contribution to the victory over Nazism. He also thanked on behalf of Russian citizens employees of the FSB, SVR, FSO, Main Directorate of Special Programs for their competence, courage, loyalty to duty and high dedication. Putin emphasized that those working "in Donbass and Novorossiya, on the line of contact and in border regions, participating in effective raids behind enemy lines" deserve special gratitude.

"The key task remains the fight against terrorism. I ask all special services and, above all, the FSB to work in the field of counterterrorism with utmost focus and rigor. To use all the accumulated experience. And the National Anti-Terrorist Committee to clearly coordinate these efforts, to plan primitive measures," said the President.

Putin emphasized that increased attention should be paid to suppressing the activities of foreign intelligence services, fighting sabotage, terrorist attacks, as well as with spies and traitors. According to the President, a decisive fight against extremism will be an important part of improving public security. It is also necessary to aggressively and actively fight economic crimes and any manifestations of corruption.

The President also emphasized the importance of strengthening the protection of information infrastructure, the security of major socio-political and international events, as well as maintaining the work of state and military administration systems. In addition, reliable cover is required for the activities of the defense industry and the process of developing advanced weapon systems.

"I am confident that in solving these tasks, the employees of Russia's special services will always be at the top of their game. And once again I congratulate you on your holiday. And of course, with the approaching year 2025. Health and all the best to you and your loved ones," Putin concluded.

Earlier, on October 24, at a press conference following the BRICS summit in Kazan, Putin said that the security of the state is most important to him. According to the president, the situation in the past was that Russia's constant and persistent proposals to establish contacts with Western countries were always trying to "point to its place." He emphasized that Russia could not develop in such a capacity and the solution was to increase its security by strengthening its independence in the economic, financial and military spheres.