Russian President Vladimir Putin gave his annual state of the nation address, focusing primarily on domestic issues. While many expected the Russian leader to make important announcements on the future of the Russia-Belarus Union State, as well as on the conflict in eastern Ukraine's Donbass region, his focal points were related to the social sphere, economics, and healthcare. But what did he say about the country's security and foreign policy?

Prior to Putin's speech, there was speculation that the Russian president could call on the Federal Assembly to formally recognize the independence of the Donbass self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic and Lugansk People's Republic, in case the conflict in the region escalates and turns into a "hot war." Instead, Putin told the West that Moscow's response to crossing Russia's "red line" will be "asymmetric, fast and hard."

"Whoever threatens our core security interests will regret it like they've never regretted anything before," said the Russian leader.

Putin already spoke about Russia's "asymmetric response" to Western actions years ago, but this time he went one step further by mentioning red lines. Given that he rarely speaks directly about Russia's intentions, it is not surprising that he did not specifically say what Moscow's red lines are. Such a position leaves room for various political maneuvers. If the West does not know what Russia's red lines are, how can the United States, NATO and the European Union show any restraint in their relations with Moscow? On the other hand, without a clear definition of Russia's point of no return, the Kremlin can always save its face and avoid confrontations in the global arena, claiming that the "red line" was not crossed.

Still, there are indications that Russia could gradually take a slightly harder approach towards Western actions. For instance, in response to the recent expulsion of 18 Russian diplomats from Czech Republic, Moscow decided to expel 20 Czech diplomats. It is worth noting that in the past the Russian Federation adhered to the line of purely retaliatory measures, sending home an identical number of diplomats. Such a practice could change now. Still, if the West continues imposing sanctions on Russia, the Kremlin's responses will likely remain rather calculated and limited, although in some situations could show its teeth, which the case of the Czech diplomats clearly demonstrates.

During his speech, the Russian president also pointed out that Russia will always act for its interests within international law. Reading between lines, Moscow is expected to continue supporting its allies aboard, especially Belarus and its President Alexander Lukashenko.

Meanwhile, he will have to find a way to resolve various domestic problems. As he said, the Russia's main focus will be on domestic development and improving every aspect of society and the economy. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Putin, businesses are set to make record profits in Russia this year. Moreover, he announced major housing plans: to build every year 120 million square meters of housing. Given that Russia has been faced with Western sanctions, it remains highly uncertain if Moscow will be able to achieve such ambitious goals. Priority of domestic issues demands calmer external environment, and it is unlikely that the West will stop imposing sanctions on the Russian Federation any time soon.

Hours after Putin's speech, protesters all over Russia came out to the streets demanding the release of the Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny who was jailed over violations of his 2014 suspended prison sentence for embezzlement. The United States already informed Russia that there will be "consequences" if Navalny – who was hospitalized weeks after beginning a hunger strike – dies in prison. He decided to start a hunger strike because he was denied to receive treatment by his own doctor instead of the prison medical team. Indeed, nowhere in the world are prisoners are entitled to see their private doctors, but the West will likely keep using the case of Navalny as another instrument against Russia.

Moscow, on its part, tends to avoid any confrontation with the United States and its allies, and that is what Putin's state of the nation address clearly suggests. Sooner or later, however, Russia may be in a position to decisively respond to what the he called "blatant rudeness" and "unfriendly efforts." Alternatively, a passive approach and non-action could be interpreted as a sign of weakness.

By Nikola Mikovic， a freelance journalist based in Serbia. (Source: CGTN）