Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to crush anyone who tries to divide Russian society, hailing the effectiveness and loyalty of the country’s law enforcement agencies.
Putin has escalated a decades-long crackdown on civil society, independent media, and opposition, with dissent and criticism of the Kremlin outlawed and punishable by years-long prison sentences.
“Those who try to intimidate people, to split our society, to play on religious or national feelings will never succeed,” Putin said. “Inevitable and just retribution awaits them.”
Putin paid tribute to various Russian law enforcement agencies, including the Investigative Committee and the FSB security services, praising their “unconditional loyalty to the Fatherland and our people.”
Critics argue that Russia’s focus on investigating and prosecuting domestic political opponents has left it blind to genuine security threats, citing the recent deadly terror attack in Moscow.
Despite the crackdown, Putin claims Russian society is united behind his offensive on Ukraine, with almost all of his main opponents in jail or exile.
