Putin’s stern warning

IslamNews – President Vladimir Putin warned the West not to cross what he called a “red line” with Russia in his annual state of the union address. He delivered his speech as about 100,000 Russian troops were massed on Ukraine’s border and protesters were taking to the streets.

Russia’s response would be “asymmetric, fast and tough” if forced to defend its interests, Mr. Putin said. He stopped short of announcing any new military or foreign policy moves.

Opponents of Mr. Putin called for protests across Russia on Wednesday in support of Aleksei Navalny, the opposition leader who is on a hunger strike in a Russian prison. Before the rallies, the authorities arrested dozens of protest leaders in 20 cities.

Tensions: Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, on Tuesday warned of a possible war with Russia. In a national address, he said Moscow’s buildup of troops on the Ukrainian border had created “all the preconditions for escalation.”

At home: Mr. Navalny said in a letter posted by his team that he was like “a skeleton walking.” He is insisting that he be allowed to be seen by doctors of his choosing.

Source: The New York Times