Blaming the Healey administration for the recent rise in natural gas prices is short-sighted and simplistic (“Hostility” toward natural gas driving up prices, critic says,” Feb. 19).  Natural gas prices are volatile nationally, especially this winter as extremely cold weather triggers a high demand for heating according to a report from Fitch Solutions.  In addition, European demand for Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and concerns about a looming trade war are contributing to the volatility.

The rate for natural gas in Massachusetts is also affected by three programs that are essential for fairly reducing greenhouse gas emissions: the Mass Save project, the Gas System Enhancement Program (GSEP) and low-income consumer discounts.

Mass Save helps residents pay for energy efficient appliances and heat pumps, a crucial step in transitioning from fossil fuels to lower cost renewable energy sources.  GSEP is a ten-year-old program to stop methane leaks which are dangerous and contribute to global warming.

We should let our governor and legislators know we support a rapid transition to renewable energy, while providing near-term relief by proportionately spreading costs according to income levels.

John Devendorf

Milford

On Dec. 5,1994 Ukraine signed an agreement wherein it would dispose of its nuclear weapons, which were the world’s third largest nuclear arsenal, for a guarantee by the U.S., UK and Russia to provide Ukraine’s security. Ukraine relinquished its nuclear weapons to Russia. Subsequently, Russia attacked Ukraine in 2014 and occupied Crimea.

In 2022 Russia attacked again and now occupies eastern provinces of Ukraine.

The Unites States should continue providing military equipment and supplies to Ukraine to belatedly comply with the security agreement we signed in 1994.

Maybe we should provide loans to Ukraine instead of grants of funds and equipment, or have Ukraine repay us with their abundant supply of rare earth minerals which we need. We are negotiating with Ukraine on this matter.

Unfortunately, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth significantly set back peace negotiations unwittingly when he said Ukraine cannot go back to its pre-2014 borders, which relinquishes the Crimea and land in eastern Ukraine to Russia. He also said it is unrealistic for Ukraine to join NATO, and Europe must take on a greater role in its security. This is a capitulation to Russia before negotiations even start, and it could increase Russian threats to Europe.

Donald Moskowitz

Londonderry, NH