When I lived in Ukraine, the 'bandits" that the then-pro-Moscow government claimed were running rampant in the streets were the "titushki" (guys hired for $20/night to wandered around with a beer in one hand and a crowbar in the other, beating up anyone who looked like the were protesting against the government). Inside the perimeter of the manifestation was one of the safer parts of the city.

So, when I hear a pro-Moscow autocratic ruler say there are bandits in the streets, I remain highly skeptical until there's hard evidence.