Putin orders increased security at Russian borders after series of attacks

In a congratulatory message on the founding anniversary of the Border Guard of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) today (May 28), President Vladimir Putin said the task of border guards is to "reliably protect" routes near war zones.

Attacks on Russian territory have increased in recent weeks. Notably, in addition to the border areas, many positions deep inside Russian territory are also being attacked, such as the attack on an oil pipeline northwest of Moscow on May 27.

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: Reuters

"It is necessary to ensure the rapid movement of both military and civilian vehicles, as well as goods including food and construction materials to new subjects of the Russian Federation," Reuters news agency quoted Mr. Putin.

Accordingly, four regions of Ukraine, including Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk and Donetsk, were annexed to the Russian Federation in September 2022. Russian forces are also controlling part of the area in these four regions.

Three people were injured in Ukrainian shelling of Russia's Belgorod region on May 27, raising doubts about Russia's military and defense capabilities.

Russia’s Kursk and Belgorod regions, which border Ukraine, have been the target of frequent attacks in recent months, causing damage to power grids, railways and military infrastructure. Russian officials blame Ukraine for the attacks.

Kiev has never publicly claimed responsibility for the attacks deep into Russian territory or in areas of Ukraine under Russian control, but Kiev has said the destruction of infrastructure is part of preparations for a planned ground offensive.

Ukraine said on May 27 it was ready to launch a long-delayed counteroffensive to retake territories controlled by Russia in the 15-month conflict.