— Do your units have to participate in combat operations?

— We mainly conduct operational-search work, but a strong combat core remains in the FSB system—the Special Purpose Center. It was created on the basis of the former 'Alpha' and 'Vympel'. I use the word 'former' purely conditionally. All this talk that 'Alpha' and 'Vympel' were destroyed or squandered is complete nonsense. I can speak about this quite confidently because, for better or worse, I served in 'Vympel' for a full twelve years, and in 'Alpha', though less, also long enough. And I can judge these units with full confidence. Their combat composition has not suffered at all. During the merger, the management and some auxiliary structures were slightly squeezed—but their combat qualities did not change at all because of this.

— It is, of course, good that the special services were able to preserve the combat guys. But the attitude toward the special services, that general atmosphere of neglect, press attacks—surely they reflected on them?

— They beat us, we remember that. The best people left out of resentment. Our image was completely lost. No material or moral incentives remained. Many asked themselves: does the state even need us at all?.. Even now, there cannot be a strong special service when its director receives less than the average security guard of some not even very large bank... You probably noticed that footage from the territory of the 'Alpha' directorate has never been shown. A secret? No, it's just shameful! The premises there are in such a state that they cannot be shown... Fourteen thousand FSB employees are in line for an apartment with little hope of getting one. You know, I also had a difficult episode in my personal life. And I left the service for a while. Everything was going as well as possible. But then I was invited back, and I left everything without the slightest hesitation. I think many specialists we need would have done the same. And in this, I see great hope for the revival of the special services.

— You, as professionals, didn't you feel guilty for the nightmare that people experienced, realizing they were defenseless against terrorists?

— When people die, and the fight against terrorism is entrusted to us, it is simply impossible not to feel guilt. But I categorically refuse to accept the guilt entirely. I believe that the FSB alone, even in addition to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, cannot cope with terrorism in Russia. This is a nationwide task. Clear and precise political decisions are needed. Objective prerequisites for the development of terror must be eliminated immediately. The will and ability of the authorities are needed... In previous interviews, I tried to avoid saying directly that the main source of terrorism is Chechnya. I followed policy. Now there is no reason to avoid it. Even a child understands this... Chechnya now consists of tens of thousands of armed people who know how to kill and are well-trained for it. And they don't know how and don't want to do anything else. Can the FSB cope with this with its own forces and means? It's unrealistic. Only decisive political measures will help. There is simply no other way, and the tension will persist. You don't even have to guess... What are these measures? I probably won't name them for you right away. But in this situation, I am reassured by the fact that there are certainly people in Russia who are smarter than me and who will come up with a way out...

— Is there some main reason why the development of special services is impossible to the extent that is needed?

— The reason is banal—lack of money, lack of resources. We have, for example, the opportunity to invite excellent guys for combat units. The prestige of 'Alpha' and 'Vympel' remains legendary. Many young people would like to serve there. And not even for big money. But we cannot provide them with basic housing, for example... If the state could provide us with material and technical supplies in a broad sense, it would instantly solve a lot. It cannot be said that no one understands this. But before, in the system of the KGB of the USSR, the most important thing was to get the chairman's signature; all other issues were resolved by themselves...

— But lately, the government has been headed by people who undoubtedly understand the full significance of the special services. Take Primakov, Stepashin, Putin...

— Starting precisely with Primakov, it became easier for the special services. These problems are, of course, close to Stepashin and Putin. Perhaps they cannot yet do everything they would like to strengthen the special services, but they understand our problems and know them deeply.