MOSCOW. June 28 (Interfax) - A number of foreign security services directly support extremist and terrorist groups in order to destabilize regions near the Russian borders, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
"You are well aware of the challenges facing Russia: these are attempts to hinder our development, to impose confrontation, to destabilize the regions near the Russian borders. Another weapon being used are terrorist and extremist groups. It is no secret that some of them are being diligently protected, and sometimes get direct support from security services of a number of states," Putin said during a visit to the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) headquarters on Wednesday, to congratulate SVR officers on the 95th anniversary of Russia's illegal intelligence service.