Putin Calls for Heightened Investigative Action to Protect Traditional Values Amidst Foreign Interference

President Vladimir Putin has urged Russian investigative agencies to enhance their efforts in protecting what the Kremlin refers to as “traditional values” and to combat what he labels as increasing foreign interference in Russia’s internal affairs.

In a video statement released on Friday to commemorate Russia’s professional holiday for those in investigative roles, Putin encouraged investigators to take decisive action against what he described as “information sabotage and provocations,” asserting that such dangers threaten Russia’s sovereignty, social cohesion, and interethnic harmony.

Additionally, Putin instructed investigators to uncover financial crimes and fraudulent schemes, with a particular focus on those targeting elderly citizens and families of soldiers involved in the conflict in Ukraine.

His comments build on prior directives to prosecutors to keep a close watch on the activities of foreign governments, media outlets, and non-governmental organizations.

The Prosecutor General’s Office has been assigned the responsibility of creating a registry of foreign influence operations, utilizing data gathered from regional officials, the Central Bank, and local governing bodies.

Central to this initiative is a policy framework established in November 2022, when Putin issued a decree delineating the state’s role in safeguarding “traditional Russian spiritual and moral values.”

This document highlights a variety of perceived threats to these values, including foreign media, “extremist” groups, multinational corporations, and the policies of the U.S. and other Western countries.

The Kremlin asserts that these entities propagate a “destructive ideology” based on what it terms as selfishness, immorality, and a repudiation of patriotism.

The decree specifically identifies the promotion of LGBTQ+ relationships as a significant danger to Russian society.

This renewed emphasis reflects the government’s persistent effort to depict the war in Ukraine and the broader geopolitical conflicts as part of a civilizational battle, positioning Russia as a guardian of traditional culture against the advance of liberal Western ideals.