Russian President Vladimir Putin released a video message on the occasion of the 20 December Security Services Day. Addressing the security units in the Kherson, Zaporizhia, Donetsk and Luhansk regions annexed from Ukraine, Putin said, “Today, the dynamically changing situation in the world, the emergence of new threats and risks, show the increasing need for Russian security units. I would like to draw special attention to the units of the security services that have started to operate in the new regions of Russia.

“Yes, the conditions are more difficult for you now. The situation in the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, in the Kherson and Zaporizhia regions is extremely difficult. But the citizens of Russia living there rely on your protection. It is yours to do everything to ensure their safety there, to protect their rights and freedoms as much as possible. We will continue to strengthen the new units with modern equipment and weapons and professional teams.”