Putin vows retribution amid rising threats, proposes migration policy shift

Russian leader Vladimir Putin spoke at the Ministry of Internal Affairs forum, emphasizing that Russia is currently undergoing a challenging period in its history. "After the fall of the USSR, our geopolitical foes have aimed to destabilize Russia further and bring under control whatever remains," he mentioned, highlighting the perceived threats to the nation.

Addressing several hundred Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs representatives, who attentively followed his remarks, Putin discussed various topics, including ensuring public safety, local police service operations, combating extremism and organized crime, tackling illegal migration, and stressing the urgent need to secure public spaces.

Putin, reflecting on a turbulent phase in Russia's history, reiterated, "It's evident to all that after the USSR's dissolution, our geopolitical adversaries sought to degrade Russia further. As a former FSB director, I firmly believe that some are seeking retribution for Hitler's and Napoleon's unsuccessful attempts," he explained.

Regarding the inquiry into the terrorist attack on the Crocus City Hall, Putin emphasized the significance of "identifying not just the immediate perpetrators but all involved parties benefiting from this crime." He firmly stated, "We will surely reach them." and warned of the double-edged nature of the weapons used against Russia.

The Russian National Anti-Terrorism Committee (NAK) reported the apprehension of three individuals during an anti-terrorist operation in Dagestan on Sunday. These individuals were allegedly planning terror-related acts and were apprehended with automatic weapons, ammunition, and homemade explosives.

An attack in Krasnogorsk near Moscow, claimed by the Islamic State of Khorasan Province—an Afghan branch of the terrorist group—resulted in at least 144 people being killed and 551 injured on March 22nd.

In the aftermath of the attack, there was an uptick in the persecution of Tajik nationals in Russia, leading many to flee the country in fear.

Putin also addressed the need for a revamped approach to migration. "Upon closer inspection of specific cases, it becomes evident that individuals can enter Russia and navigate the bureaucracy without major hurdles, even with a history of offenses, and then apply for citizenship lacking even basic Russian language skills," he observed. He contrasted this with the difficulties faced by ethnic Russians, whose families have been in the country for generations, in acquiring citizenship.

"As I've mentioned, we need a profound and radical shift in our migration policy," Putin asserted.

Furthermore, Putin spoke on the situation in the occupied territories of Ukraine, noting that around 3.2 million citizens from the Kherson, Luhansk, Donetsk, and Kharkiv regions have already been granted Russian passports.

He concluded by urging officials to enhance emergency preparedness and secure public spaces promptly. He pointed out that the internal and external threats facing the country are often linked and aim to constrain Russia's progress.