Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) claimed that in July, European members of the so-called «coalition of the willing» urged Kiev to intensify sabotage and terrorist activities, as well as strikes on targets deep inside Russian territory.

According to the agency, representatives of European intelligence services also discussed possible cyberattacks on the infrastructure of Russia’s Central Election Commission during visits to Ukraine. The SVR further alleged that representatives of Russia’s non-systemic opposition abroad were tasked with promoting claims that the upcoming vote would be illegitimate and unlawful.

The service also said that the PACE Platform for Dialogue with Russian Democratic Forces had allegedly received financial backing at a June meeting to encourage Russians to boycott the elections.

The SVR claimed that after the vote, both PACE and the European Parliament could issue statements refusing to recognize the results, citing alleged violations during the preparation and conduct of the election.

At the same time, the agency said neither Kiev, political emigrants abroad nor the Western countries supporting them would be able to prevent Russian citizens from making their choice.

The SVR also stated that Russia is prepared to counter both external pressure and attempts to destabilize the country from within.