Sir, – Notwithstanding the goodwill of pro-European enthusiasts (among whom I would number myself), the reality is that the eastward expansion of the EU is accompanied by the onward march of Nato. The US has signed treaties with Poland, Romania and the Czech Republic to install land-based SM-3 missiles as part of its European defence strategy. Is Vladimir Putin being entirely unreasonable to expect similar treaties could follow Ukraine’s move into the western sphere of influence?
When any gang of street protesters drive a legitimately elected government from office they necessarily teach their fellow citizens the lesson that authority comes, not from the democratic will of the people, but from force majeure .
The people of Ukraine now face the prospect of a civil war even more savage than that in Syria, and all those who urged them into this chaotic position must share in the responsibility for the countless deaths and outrages against the innocent to which it may well lead.
Instead of reaching for familiar bogeymen to beat, well-intentioned leaders and commentators should urge the maintenance of civilised norms, the immediate resumption of meaningful negotiations and a genuine rapprochement with the elected president and all those millions of now disenfranchised citizens who voted for him.
The current provisional government in Kiev has no legal authority and it should not be regarded as the sole voice that speaks for Ukraine. All voices should be heard.
When western commentators poke the bear, it is innocent civilians in eastern Europe who will feels the claws on their back.
There is never a bad time to argue for peace. – Yours, etc,
ARTHUR DEENY,
Rock Road,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – The big loser from the 1853-1856 Crimean War was uninvolved Austria.
Who will it be this time? – Yours, etc,
Dr JOHN DOHERTY,
Operngasse,
Vienna.
A chara, – Perhaps Dermot Mac Murchada was the inspiration for Viktor Yanukovych’s supposed invitation for a Russian invasion.
Stand by for an interesting 800 years. – Is mise,
SEÁN Ó MATHÚNA,
Westcourt Heights,
Baile an Chollaigh,
Co Chorcaí.