December 28, 2022

The Threat from Abroad


The Threat from Abroad
The Lubyanka building, Moscow. Alexander Savin, Wikimedia Commons.

In Russia there is growing concern about the threat from spies and saboteurs.

On December 20, in a congratulatory speech to celebrate Security Agency Workers Day, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the security services should intensify their work against new risks and threats. In particular, he called on counterintelligence services to hunt for spies and saboteurs, and constantly control places for mass gatherings of citizens, strategic facilities, transport, and energy infrastructure. 

“Maximum concentration of forces is required now from counterintelligence services. It is necessary to suppress the actions of foreign special services, and to promptly identify traitors, spies, and saboteurs,” Putin said.

The notion of catching spies and saboteurs is becoming more acute. A few days ago in Irkutsk, billboards appeared with a unique method for uncovering Ukrainian “spies” among one's friends

The billboards propose using the words “Syktyvkar" (the capital of Komi Republic) and "Bashkortostan" (the republic located between Volga and the Ural mountains) to ferret out spies. Allegedly, the words are shibboleths: so difficult to say that only a true Russian could pronounce them correctly.

Sabotage is also being actively discussed in the Duma, where, on December 21, a package of “anti-sabotage” amendments were made to the Criminal Code. Three new articles will appear: 281.1 (“Aiding sabotage”), 281.2 (“Training for the purposes of sabotage”), and 281.3 (“Organizing or taking part in a sabotage organization”).

Recruiting and persuading a person to take part in sabotage will be punishable by eight to 15 years in prison. Aiding sabotage will lead to ten to 20 years. And organizing or sponsoring it will have a sentence of 15–20 years. In all cases, a sentence can be increased to life in prison.

These developments demonstrate a ratcheting up of the already extensive paranoia common since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

You Might Also Like

Hold Your Tongue
  • December 19, 2022

Hold Your Tongue

The State Duma began reviewing a new law that would restrict the use of foreign loan words in official Russian communications.
Dangerous Dreams
  • December 23, 2022

Dangerous Dreams

Russians are being fined for their dreams, "likes," and "silent support."
Azov, a New Terror?
  • August 12, 2022

Azov, a New Terror?

While resisting Russian forces in the invasion of Ukraine, the Azov Regiment has been declared a terrorist organization by the Russian Supreme Court. 
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Moscow and Muscovites
November 26, 2013

Moscow and Muscovites

Vladimir Gilyarovsky's classic portrait of the Russian capital is one of Russians’ most beloved books. Yet it has never before been translated into English. Until now! It is a spectactular verbal pastiche: conversation, from gutter gibberish to the drawing room; oratory, from illiterates to aristocrats; prose, from boilerplate to Tolstoy; poetry, from earthy humor to Pushkin. 

The Little Humpbacked Horse
November 03, 2014

The Little Humpbacked Horse

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas
October 01, 2013

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas

This exciting new trilogy by a Russian author – who has been compared to Orhan Pamuk and Umberto Eco – vividly recreates a lost world, yet its passions and characters are entirely relevant to the present day. Full of mystery, memorable characters, and non-stop adventure, The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas is a must read for lovers of historical fiction and international thrillers.

 
Faith & Humor
December 01, 2011

Faith & Humor

A book that dares to explore the humanity of priests and pilgrims, saints and sinners, Faith & Humor has been both a runaway bestseller in Russia and the focus of heated controversy – as often happens when a thoughtful writer takes on sacred cows. The stories, aphorisms, anecdotes, dialogues and adventures in this volume comprise an encyclopedia of modern Russian Orthodoxy, and thereby of Russian life.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955