Putin warns of ‘tough’ response

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday sternly warned the West against encroaching further on Russia’s security interests, saying Moscow’s response will be “quick and tough” and make the culprits feel bitterly sorry for their action. The warning during Putin’s annual state-of-the-nation address came amid a massive Russian military buildup near Ukraine, where ceasefire violations in the seven-year conflict between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian forces have escalated in recent weeks. The United States and its allies have urged the Kremlin to pull the troops back.