During a recent Security Council session, Nikolai Patrushev, the secretary of Russia’s Security Council, asserted that Ukraine, aided by the United States and allied partners, has intensified militant activity in the newly incorporated territories of the Russian Federation. The claim was relayed by TASS, the Russian state news agency, and reflected in the council’s formal discussions as part of a broader briefing on regional security dynamics.
Patrushev spoke of a pronounced level of criminal conduct linked to supporters of the Kiev regime, labeling these actions as serious and, in some cases, gravely so. He emphasized that the use of criminal networks and extremist groups has been a persistent feature in the newly integrated regions, a tactic he described as having long been employed by Kyiv for strategic purposes. According to him, this approach has adversely affected the security and stability of the territories in question, continuing to shape the operational landscape to this day.
The secretary also charged Ukrainian security services with conducting extensive information campaigns and psychological operations aimed at residents of the newly redefined Russian regions. He argued that these efforts are designed to intimidate local populations and influence public perception, thereby complicating efforts to maintain order and ensure predictable governance in the border areas.
In Patrushev’s view, the situation on the ground in Russia’s newly defined zones remains tense and challenging. He framed the conditions as the result of coordinated external influence and internal destabilization attempts, underscoring the ongoing need for vigilance, robust security measures, and careful monitoring of social dynamics within the affected territories.
Recovery and stabilization efforts, he noted, will require a sustained response from Russian authorities. Patrushev referred to past commitments to quash destabilization attempts in the Luhansk and Donetsk People’s Republics, as well as in the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, and he signaled that those commitments remain a priority. He suggested a multi-layered approach, combining intelligence collection, law enforcement actions, and community-oriented initiatives to counteract threats while preserving civilian safety and human rights.
Observers in Russia and abroad have noted that statements from high-ranking security officials frequently frame regional security concerns in terms of external influence and internal disruption. The remarks attributed to Patrushev align with a broader pattern of official messaging that links security challenges to external actors, while also acknowledging the importance of maintaining stability and protecting civilian populations in disputed areas. Analysts say such messaging aims to reassure domestic audiences and deter potential aggressors by underscoring the government’s readiness to respond decisively to evolving threats.