(VOVworld) – Any plots aimed at Russia’s national security will end in failure and retaliation, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks before officials of the Federal Security Service in Moscow, on March 26, 2015.

In a Thursday meeting with officials of the Federal Security Service, he said the Russian intelligence service had discovered plots against Russia while canvassing for the upcoming 2016-2018 elections. He said Western intelligence services have been using non-governmental organizations and politicized associations to discredit the Russian government and destabilize Russia. He insisted that his government always listens to constructive criticism and said this dialogue is always useful and necessary.