Russian President Vladimir Putin applauded the efficiency and steadfast devotion of his nation’s formidable law enforcement services on Thursday, vowing to defeat anyone who attempts to split Russian society.
In the midst of his military invasion of Ukraine, Putin has intensified a decades-long crackdown on opposition, independent media, and civil society, making criticism of the Kremlin illegal and subject to lengthy prison terms.
“Those who try to intimidate people, to split our society, to play on religious or national feelings will never succeed,” Putin said in a video message posted by the Kremlin.
“Inevitable and just retribution awaits them,” he added.
Such terminology is frequently employed by Russia to characterize opponents of the Kremlin, including domestic critics whom Moscow characterizes as puppets or spies from the West.
Putin honored many Russian law enforcement organizations, such as the Investigative Committee and the FSB security services, which replaced the KGB during the Soviet era, on Russia’s “Investigation Officers’ Day.”
“Investigators show unconditional loyalty to the Fatherland and our people,” Putin said.
Russia’s obsession on looking into and prosecuting its internal political competitors and opponents, according to critics of the Kremlin, has blinded it to real security risks.
In March, the deadliest terror incident in nearly two decades occurred in Moscow, where armed shooters massacred over 140 people at a concert hall.
Days had passed since Western intelligence services had sent warnings, which Putin publicly dismissed as “blackmail” and an attempt to “destabilize our society.”
Although Putin and other officials attempted to attribute the massacre to Ukraine without offering any proof, the Islamic State group claimed responsibility. The majority of Putin’s adversaries are either incarcerated or have escaped into exile.
Putin has stated repeatedly that Russian society is unified behind his onslaught on Ukraine, despite the fact that he has put an end to opposition and implemented stringent military censorship regulations that criminalize criticism of the armed forces.
