Putin Calls for Stronger Security Measures to Protect Officials Amid Wave of Deadly Attacks - The Moscow Times
Moscow Times
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
President Vladimir Putin has called for heightened security measures to protect government officials and critical infrastructure following a surge in deadly attacks attributed to Ukrainian intelligence services. Speaking at an FSB meeting, Putin emphasized the need to bolster safeguards for defense ministry personnel, state authorities, education workers, and public figures, citing an alarming rise in targeted killings and sabotage attempts.
The escalation in violence comes amid Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine, which marks its fourth anniversary this week. Putin pointed to a significant increase in missile and drone attacks on critical infrastructure, residential areas, and public buildings, accusing Kyiv of resorting to acts of terrorism and assassination after failing to achieve military success against Russia. He specifically referenced recent incidents, including an explosion at a Moscow railway station that killed a police officer, suggesting the attacker may have been recruited unknowingly by Ukrainian intelligence.
Putin also alleged that U.S.-brokered peace talks were under threat due to a suspected plot to sabotage natural gas pipelines输送 Russian gas to Turkey and Southern Europe. He warned that such acts of provocation could undermine efforts to stabilize the region and accused Ukraine's foreign handlers of orchestrating these attacks to destabilize Russia.
These developments underscore the growing risks of state-sponsored terrorism and the potential for further escalation in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. As global tensions rise, the targeting of public figures and critical infrastructure highlights the broader implications for international security and diplomacy.
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Originally published on Moscow Times on 2/24/2026