Crimea, which was unexpectedly relocated from Russia to Ukraine at the whim of a dictator in 1954, remained overwhelmingly Russian even before the 2014 referendum. Donbas may need to be split under UN auspices (in inevitable rage) Silesia was divided by the League of Nations in 1921. Troy’s insistence on restoring the former boundaries of “territorial integrity” to UK-backed states – Georgia or Ukraine – is to authorize a bath Georgia invaded “lost” Abkhazia or mass resistance if Ukraine tried to suppress Russian identities in Crimea.Neal Ascherson London Dan Sabbagh’s delicate and sober analysis of the conflict in Ukraine (April 27) focuses on the expansive nature of the rhetoric used by both parties. Russia’s absurd claims of “decentralization” of Ukraine have been rightly ridiculed, but the grandiose statements of Western leaders, which indicate that we are now seeking a strategic defeat for Russia, merely aid the Russian narrative that it is an existential war of national survival. Instead, our leaders could do better to adopt the “speak softly and carry a big stick” approach. Ultimately, the brave words will not stop a single Russian tank, but a timely and dynamic delivery of anti-tank weapons can. This will require a degree of discipline in messages we have not seen so far: Liz Truss, who has been speculating about a decade of war, and James Heappey, who is thinking about Ukrainian targeting inside Russia, are not helping to control the narrative. Putin will receive the message that aggression will not work, but to say that we intend to rub his face, especially since the war is still very active and has not yet been defeated, is naive and dangerous. needs a ladder to go down. It is better to stick strictly to the line that we support Ukraine to defend itself. Simon Diggins (Retired Colonel) Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire Liz Truss ignored the UN peacekeeping role and the Secretary-General’s ongoing efforts in her speech at the Mansion House. Instead, it offers the prospect of more war and dangerous escalation. Britain, as a member of the Security Council, shares the “primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security” (Article 24 of the UN Charter). The vast majority of UN members who condemned the Russian aggression at the March 2 general assembly want the war to end, not to continue, and that should be the focus of British diplomacy. John GittingsAuthor, The Glorious Art of Peace It seems that Liz Trace is promoting her candidacy for leadership without caring about what the consequences might be for the country she seeks to lead. Providing weapons is right, but there is a special kind of nonsense in saying exactly what is provided. Ms. Trouse’s silence would be welcome and may show that she deserves the position she aspires to. Dr. Roger Slack Wistaston, Cheshire Do you have an opinion on anything you read in the Guardian today? Please email us in your letter and it will be considered for publication.
