Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Western security services of assisting Ukraine in staging “sabotage and terrorist attacks” in Russia. Putin made the remarks during a meeting of the Kremlin’s security council, where he discussed ensuring law and order in four Ukrainian territories that he claims Russia annexed last year.
In his televised remarks, Putin said that there are grounds to believe that other countries and Western intelligence services were involved in staging sabotage and terrorist attacks. He also accused “neo-Nazis and their accomplices” of acting in Russia, as well as in the annexed territories of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.
Putin’s comments come in the wake of an explosion at a café in Saint Petersburg that killed a military blogger and supporter of Moscow’s assault on Ukraine. Russia claims that Ukraine orchestrated the attack with the help of supporters of jailed critic Alexei Navalny, while Ukraine has blamed it on Russia’s domestic infighting.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky made a rare foreign visit to Warsaw to thank Poland for its support since the start of Russia’s offensive. Poland has been one of Ukraine’s staunchest backers, providing it with weapons and welcoming refugees.
During talks with Zelensky, Polish President Andrzej Duda pledged to provide Ukraine with additional security guarantees that will strengthen its military potential. These guarantees are seen as an introduction to Ukraine’s full membership in NATO, which Poland firmly supports.
Poland has already delivered MiG-29 fighter jets and Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine, and has signed deals on arms deliveries and joint production of tank ammunition. Despite its support, Poland has recently seen protests by farmers over Ukrainian grain exports, which they say are driving down market prices.
In conclusion, Putin’s accusations against Western security services underscore the ongoing tension between Russia and Ukraine, while Zelensky’s visit to Poland highlights the importance of international support for Ukraine’s efforts to defend its sovereignty.
