Putin bemoans countries “picking“ on Russia like its a sport in annual speech

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Moscow would respond in a harsh and swift way to any foreign provocations after complaining of continued unfounded and unfriendly acts against Russia, as if it were “some kind of sport.“ Speaking in his annual state-of-the-nation address to top officials and lawmakers from both houses of parliament, Putin said Moscow strived to have good relations with other countries and hoped no foreign state would cross Russia’s “red lines.“ “Those who organize any provocations that threaten our fundamental security interests will regret their actions like they have not regretted anything for a long time,“ Putin said.