MOSCOW, June 30 - RIA Novosti. Russian illegal intelligence is still conducting unique operations today, extracting the most valuable information to protect Russia's national interests, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
He spoke on Thursday at the headquarters of the Foreign Intelligence Service of the Russian Federation on the occasion of the centenary of the Russian illegal intelligence: on June 28, 1922, the overseas department of the Foreign Department of the State Political Administration (GPU) under the NKVD of the RSFSR was established. Now this is the Management of the "C" SVR.
An illegal agent is a scout working in a foreign country under the guise of a citizen of this or any third country. An illegal immigrant, being specially trained, acts in accordance with the legend developed for him to the smallest detail, actually living the biography of another person. This often happens in very difficult conditions, and often at the risk of life.
"I cordially congratulate on the anniversary all those for whom work in this most important area has become a vocation and destiny, who for years and decades away from their homeland, without diplomatic or other cover, defended the national interests of our country, who are still conducting unique operations, transmitting valuable information to the Center," Putin said.
According to him, the "C" Department has a rich history and glorious traditions.
"In the 1930s and early 1940s, illegal intelligence agents promptly obtained information about the aggression being prepared by the Nazis, about behind-the-scenes maneuvers of Western countries that pushed the Nazis to attack the USSR, to march to the East. After the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, illegal intelligence agents revealed the plans of the enemy, bringing the Great Victory closer," Putin said.
"And during the Cold War, they made a huge contribution to achieving strategic parity. They provided invaluable assistance in the development of domestic industry and science. They helped strengthen the defense capability of the Motherland, the growth of its international influence and prestige," the President added.
The names of Yakov Serebryansky and Naum Eytingon, Dmitry Bystroletov and Konon Molodoy, the spouses Vartanyan and Alexey Botyan, and other heroes of the "invisible front" have forever entered the history of Russia and its special services, intelligence, and have become models of professionalism and personal courage for current and future generations of intelligence officers, Putin stressed.
And today, work in this area is one of the most responsible, and the requirements imposed on employees are exceptionally high, the president added. The situation in the world remains complex and very dynamic, it is necessary to solve non-standard tasks with many unknowns, to respond to challenges in which the uncertainty factor is great, Putin noted.
According to the Head of state, in recent years, the SVR has seriously strengthened its operational and information-analytical capabilities, its personnel potential has grown noticeably.
"And I am sure that you will do everything necessary to adequately fulfill all the tasks set. Like your legendary predecessors, you will work clearly, efficiently, and honorably serve Russia and our people," Putin said.
The President wished the current scouts and veterans, as well as their loved ones, all the best, good health and professional success.