Alexander Bortnikov, who leads Russia’s National Counter-Terrorism Committee and also heads the FSB, said that Ukrainian security services are actively targeting Russian youth to pull them into sabotage and terrorist actions. This assessment was presented by the NAC’s press office and cited in recent briefings.
According to the NAC, within the framework of Russia’s ongoing military operation, Ukrainian special services and their Western backers have intensified an ideological campaign and a recruitment drive aimed at involving Russians, particularly young people, in sabotage and extremist activities. The report frames these actions as a coordinated effort to destabilize Russia from within and to expand harmful activities across the country.
In parallel, the Russian constitutional process has moved to tighten penalties for acts of sabotage and membership in extremist organizations. The Constitutional Committee of the State Duma has approved amendments that would escalate penalties for such offenses, reflecting a broader approach to defending internal security in the current geopolitical climate.
On a scheduled date in mid-April, the Duma is set to discuss proposals that would introduce life imprisonment for treason and heavier penalties for terrorism. This discussion follows the broader legal trend of strengthening responses to acts deemed treasonous or violently extremist as part of the state’s ongoing framework for national security and public safety.
Analysts note that these developments come amid persistent tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with both domestic policy and international responses shaping the security narrative. Observers emphasize the importance of distinguishing official communications from speculative reporting, and they stress the need for rigorous verification of sources when assessing threats described by government bodies. Attribution is provided to the NAC press office as the origin of the primary statements cited here.