MOSCOW. May 28 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated servicemen, veterans and civilian personnel of the Russian Federal Security Service's Border Service on Border Guards Day.
"I want to note that, largely due to the determination of our border guards, numerous attempts by mercenary bands, traitors, and enemy sabotage groups to infiltrate Russian territory have been thwarted. Those who planned these terrorist incursions miscalculated and encountered a formidable and decisive response," Putin said in his address, published on the Kremlin website.
Putin said he is confident that Russian border guards will continue "to act with the same boldness and resolve in addressing the challenges of the special military operation and will effectively coordinate your efforts with other Federal Security Service units, the Army and Navy, law enforcement agencies, and regional and municipal leaders." "And, of course, you will also rely on the support of the people who see you as their reliable defenders," he said.
The tasks facing border agencies are large-scale and responsible, he said.
"Serious and significant results must be achieved across all critical areas of border activities, combatting illegal migration and cross-border crime, drug trafficking, smuggling, and preventing illegal fishing of marine biological resources. Additionally, it is essential to facilitate the development of international economic and humanitarian cooperation and strengthen integration ties with our good neighbors and foreign partners," Putin said.