MOSCOW. April 5 (Interfax) - Third countries, including Western secret services, have been involved in preparing acts of terror and sabotage committed by Kiev authorities in Russia, President Vladimir Putin said.
"There is every reason to assert that capabilities of third countries, Western special services, are involved in the preparation of the acts of sabotage and terror attacks," Putin said at a Russian Security Council meeting on Wednesday.
"Purely criminal elements, including organized crime, drug dealers, financial fraudsters, etc. are also trying to take advantage of the situation in the [Donetsk People's Republic] DPR, [Lugansk People's Republic] LPR, the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions," he said.
Putin went on to describe the situation in the new Russian territories as tense.
"The Kiev regime continues committing grave crimes against civilians residing there. They have no pity for anyone, subjecting towns and villages to missile strikes, artillery, mortar fire, committing acts of terror against public authorities, law enforcement, journalists, public figures, school teachers and university professors on a regular basis," Putin said.