Russia fears Middle East is a base for terrorist activities

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: Getty

Speaking to the leadership of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), Mr. Putin said: "The situation in the Middle East and many other regions of the world remains complicated. Why am I saying this? Because it affects us, the environment that breeds violence and instability still exists there. All these places are bases for the activities of terrorist groups, including, unfortunately, the territory of the Russian Federation."

President Putin stressed that the number of terrorist attacks prevented in Russia remains high, around 20 per year, and this level has remained unchanged for the past three years. The Russian leader affirmed that this is an extremely sensitive and important issue.

Also in the meeting with the FSB leadership, President Putin stated that the US withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty has weakened the operating environment in Russia. Mr. Putin stated: "The US decision to withdraw from the INF Treaty is a step that directly affects the entire system of international security agreements. Of course, this also harms the operating environment. For that reason, I hope that the central level, as well as local levels and special units of the FSB will coordinate thoroughly and professionally to solve this task quickly and effectively."