Russian President Vladimir Putin gave a speech on Thursday morning announcing a military attack on Ukraine. “Citizens of Russia, dear friends!” Putin addressed television audiences, before explaining his reasons for a military operation after what he called the “tragic events” in eastern Ukraine. Excerpts are given below: “This is about […] fundamental threats from year to year, step by step, flagrantly and unceremoniously created by reckless politicians in the West in respect of our country. I mean the expansion of NATO to the east, the approach of its military infrastructure to our borders…