Putin visits Foreign Intelligence Service HQ to 'congratulate' amid US cyberattack row

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday congratulated country's Foreign Intelligence Service, days after reports of Kremlin's involvement in cyberattacks on US federal ncies emerged. Putin visited headquarters of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service on December 20 to mark Security ncy Worker’s Day, which is garnering a lot of eyeballs because of timing of visit. Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service SVR celebrated 100th anniversary yesterday. 

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Putin, while speaking at occasion, wished success to all servicemen who defend Russia from external and internal threats and stand for its national interests. Putin congratulated all those who have worked and continue to work in Foreign Intelligence Service, which he said is very crucial for state. 

"On this great occasion, I would like to sincerely congratulate all those who have worked and who continue to work in this key area, one that is crucial for state. I expect that Foreign Intelligence Service will continue to exhibit flexibility in responding to ever-changing international situation, to display vigorous commitment in identifying and neutralising potential threats to Russia, and to enhance quality of its analyses," Putin said. 

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US cyberattack row

This comes as United States is working to find out real culprit behind months-long cyberattacks on systems of US federal ncies and some private companies. Experts and government officials suggest Russia's involvement in attack, which former Soviet Union has categorically dismissed. 

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As many as 12 federal ncies of United States, including Department of Defence and national nuclear weapons ncy, were breached in hacks, which allegedly lasted for months but was only identified last week. attacks came to tice of intelligence officials after being discovered by a cybersecurity company called FireEye. hackers mand to insert malware into software updates that were reportedly being sent to US government as well as its partners in private sectors through SolarWinds Corp.

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