Putin Addresses FSB Board on Security Threats and Counterterrorism Efforts

President Putin Meets with FSB Board in Moscow

President Vladimir Putin convened a meeting with the board of the Federal Security Service (FSB) in Moscow on February 24, 2026. The gathering, which included FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov, focused on a range of national security issues, with a strong emphasis on counterterrorism and protecting Russian interests amidst a complex international environment. The meeting occurred the day after Defender of the Fatherland Day and coincided with the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Directives on Counterterrorism and Infrastructure Protection

During his address, President Putin underscored the necessity of strengthening counterterrorism efforts, noting a significant increase in terrorist-related crimes in 2025. He attributed most of these incidents to Ukrainian intelligence services and foreign operatives, citing a recent attack at Moscow's Savelovsky railway station as an example. Putin issued directives for the FSB to enhance the protection of various key personnel and critical assets:

• Officials: Increased security for officials from the Ministry of Defense, the military-industrial complex, and state and municipal authorities.
• Social Sector: Enhanced protection for education and social workers, particularly in Russia's historical and border regions.
• Critical Infrastructure: Stronger counterterrorism measures for energy and transport infrastructure, as well as public gathering places.

The President also called for improvements to the national cybersecurity apparatus and intensified counterintelligence operations, especially in the 'special military operation zone'. Additionally, strict measures were mandated to bolster state border security.

Allegations of Sabotage and Geopolitical Tensions

Putin claimed that Russia possessed intelligence regarding attempts to sabotage the TurkStream and Blue Stream natural gas pipelines in the Black Sea. He accused adversaries of employing terror and threats in an effort to derail ongoing peace negotiations concerning Ukraine. Furthermore, the President stated that the 'possible use of a nuclear component' by Ukraine against Russia could not be ruled out, an assertion that was subsequently dismissed by the United Kingdom.

FSB Performance and Recognition

President Putin commended the FSB's performance throughout 2025, stating that the service 'commendably fulfilled' its assigned tasks across all key operational areas, effectively neutralizing both internal and external threats. He noted that over two thousand FSB service members received state decorations for their bravery, with four individuals being awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation, one posthumously. The meeting included a minute of silence in memory of FSB employees who lost their lives in the line of duty.