(VOVworld) -  In his address on Wednesday, President Vladimir Putin criticized NATO’s expansion towards Russia’s borders, adding that Russia must boost its defense capability.

Russian President criticizes NATO’s expansion (Source: AFP)

Putin also accused the West of rejecting proposals from Russia to help tackle the common foe of "international terrorism" and trying to isolate Russia due to the crisis in Ukraine.

The relationship between Russia and NATO has become tense following Russia's annexation of Crimea in March 2014. NATO also accused Russia of playing a role in the conflicts of eastern Ukraine. But Russia has denied the accusation, saying that NATO’s expansion may threaten Russia’s security.