The situation in the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, Kherson and Zaporozhye regions remains extremely difficult, but security agencies must take all measures to maximize the safety of the population living there.

Vladimir Putin said this in his congratulations to the employees of the state security agencies, published by the Kremlin press service.

“I would like to especially note the units of the security agencies that have begun to operate in the new regions of Russia.

Yes, it’s difficult for you right now: the situation in the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, in the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions is extremely difficult.

But the people living there, the citizens of Russia, rely on you, on your protection.

And it is your duty to do everything necessary to ensure their security, rights and freedoms as much as possible.

For our part, we will continue to strengthen the new units with modern equipment and weapons, as well as experienced personnel," Putin said.

The head of state noted the need to strengthen the work of security agencies in key areas amid the emergence of new threats and instructed the special services to keep under constant control places of mass residence of citizens, strategic facilities, transport and energy infrastructure.

“Maximum composure, concentration of forces is now required from counterintelligence agencies, including the military.

It is necessary to firmly suppress the actions of foreign intelligence services, quickly identify traitors, spies and saboteurs, ”the president said.

Putin also demanded to strengthen the work of the border service of the FSB: "The state border is the most important, key frontier for ensuring the country's security."

According to him, Russian borders must be reliably covered, while attempts to violate the border of the Russian Federation must be quickly and effectively suppressed.

In addition, the Russian leader asked "not to relax attention in such an important area as the fight against extremism."

He called "militant nationalism, calls for violence, provocations aimed at inciting ethnic hatred" a direct threat to the internal unity of Russian society, which must be stopped immediately.

“The most important results of your work have been and remain the security of the state, stability in society, reliable provision of the rights and freedoms of Russian citizens.

I am sure that you are well aware of this and will continue to effectively fulfill the assigned tasks, honestly, conscientiously serve the Motherland and our people, ”Putin concluded.

Also on russian.rt.com The first Soviet special service: how the Cheka was created and worked

Recall that from 23 to 27 September in the Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics, as well as in the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, referendums were held.

In all territories, the vast majority of residents voted for joining Russia.

On September 30, the Kremlin hosted the ceremony of signing agreements on the admission of the DPR, LPR, Zaporozhye region and Kherson region to the Russian Federation and on the formation of new subjects of the Russian Federation.

On October 5, Vladimir Putin signed four federal constitutional laws on the admission of new regions to the Russian Federation.

Taking into account these decisions, there are 89 subjects in the Russian Federation.

The transitional period for integration with the Russian Federation of new entities will be valid from the date of adoption until January 1, 2026.

In addition, the president signed decrees on the appointment of interim heads of new regions.

So, Denis Pushilin was appointed interim head of the DPR, Leonid Pasechnik - acting head of the LPR.

Volodymyr Saldo was appointed interim head of the Kherson region, Evgeniy Balitsky became the acting governor of the Zaporozhye region by presidential decree.

On October 20, martial law was introduced in the territories of the DPR, LPR, Zaporozhye and Kherson regions.