Putin praises foreign spy agency

President Vladimir V. Putin described the foreign spy service as one of Russia's key institutions and said the appointment of former Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov as its head could only enhance its authority.

Putin, himself a former KGB spy, has put former colleagues in senior government posts. His critics say Russia is run by a hidden network of former and serving secret service operatives.

The foreign intelligence service "is one of the most professional and effective special services, which should continue defending Russia from outside threats," Putin said as he presented Fradkov to his staff.