Russian President Vladimir Putin claims Western countries are getting ready to interfere in the parliamentary elections scheduled for this fall.
Speaking at the headquarters of the Federal Security Service (FSB) in Moscow on February 26, Putin said that "enemies abroad" were "getting ready for the elections."
Putin added that any attempt to interfere in Russia's elections and internal affairs were a "direct threat to our country's sovereignty."
Putin also said that foreign secret services "have increased their activities in Russia lately" and urged FSB to "block any access to any confidential information."
Commentators say since the West slapped sanctions on Russia for its actions in Ukraine, the Kremlin has stepped up its rhetoric against the West, which Moscow accuses of funding dissent inside Russia.