MOSCOW, November 2. /TASS/. The West is stepping up its efforts to counter Russia, making them increasingly aggressive and sophisticated as Moscow moves closer to victory in the special military operation, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu said at the opening of the international week Peoples of Russia.
"The closer we get to victory and the successful conclusion of the special military operation, the more aggressive and sophisticated these attempts [by the West] become," Shoigu noted.
He stated that there was currently an "active effort to recruit and provide funding, and to bolster those prepared to support the destruction of Russian statehood from within."
At the same time, Shoigu stressed that Russia had "always stood united in repelling the aggressor."
"We have the means to counter this [Western aggression]," he said. "Above all, our unity - the unity of the peoples of Russia."
About the event
The international week is being held pursuant to a decree by President Vladimir Putin and coincides with National Unity Day, celebrated on November 4. The event is coordinated by the Office of the Russian Security Council.
The discussions will focus on such topics as the unity of Russia's peoples, historical memory and generational continuity, service to the Fatherland and responsibility for its future, and the importance of strong families.
Participants include representatives of government agencies, international organizations, the business, scientific and expert communities, cultural figures, and Russian public organizations.
The event is also attended by around 50 representatives from 35 countries, both from the near and far abroad, including countries designated as "unfriendly" toward Russia.
TASS is the event's strategic media partner.