From [
agentura.ru]: SVR is a forces composition of RF securityprovision and it’s assigned to protect the personality, society and state security from the external danger with use of methods and means specified by present federal law.
Intelligence activity is carried out by means of:
information collecting and processingabout real and potential possibilities, actions, plans and intentions of foreign states, organizations and persons affecting the vital interests of Russian Federation (hereinafter - intelligence information);
assistance provision in realization of measures fulfilled by the state in behalf of Russian Federation security provision.
A necessity of intelligence activity carrying out is determined within the framework of their full powers by both the President of Russian Federation and the Federal Meetingon the strength of impossibility or inexpediency of Russian Federation security provision by other means.