SIR – Donald Trump’s position is becoming clear. He’s trying to move Russia away from China, which is the real threat to America, and Ukraine is to be part of the bargain.
Negotiations so far seem to be about “enormous economic deals”. Russia also wants Ukrainian territory, in part for resources such as minerals. The eventual deal may involve the removal of Volodymyr Zelensky, which could result in a government that ostensibly faces the West but in time leans more towards Russia.
Mr Trump may think he can manipulate Vladimir Putin, but Putin has proved countless times that he can’t be trusted. He wants Ukraine so he can expand Russia’s empire, but he will not stop there. All the old satellite states are at risk.
This is not just about ending a war and saving lives; this about the very existence of a democratic country.
Lynn Pearson
Northend, Warwickshire
SIR – If a ceasefire can be agreed between Russia and Ukraine, and Vladimir Putin has no intention of returning at a later date to annex further Ukrainian territory, why has he demanded that there should be “complete cessation of foreign military aid and the provision of intelligence information to Kyiv” (report, March 19)?
David Vincent
Hawkhurst, Kent
SIR – Admiral Lord West blames the coalition and Conservative governments for failing to order enough ships, leaving the Royal Navy ill-equipped to deter war (Letters, March 20).
We should not forget, however, that limited defence resources inevitably call for hard decisions and, in recent years, the priority has rightly been the threat from an expansionist Russia in Europe. In that scenario, the Navy has a minimal role to play. Ordering more support ships and destroyers – which are required primarily to deploy aircraft carriers to the South China
Sea – has to be a lower priority.
If the UK is to lead a “coalition of the willing” to deter Russian aggression in the event of a ceasefire in Ukraine, the Army and the RAF must be first in line for additional resources.
Gp Capt Alan Ferguson RAF (retd)
Hadleigh, Suffolk
SIR – It is unlikely that Putin will adhere to any ceasefire – he will certainly test its boundaries. And if we are not prepared to confront Russian violations, what is our support for Ukraine worth?
If our Armed Forces are to be sent to Ukraine in any capacity, we must be prepared to go to war with Russia. Sir Keir Starmer must be honest about that with the British people, and get cracking on preparations for such an eventuality.
Ron Powell
Barry, Glamorgan
SIR – Donald Trump’s position is becoming clear. He’s trying to move Russia away from China, which is the real threat to America, and Ukraine is to be part of the bargain.
Negotiations so far seem to be about “enormous economic deals”. Russia also wants Ukrainian territory, in part for resources such as minerals. The eventual deal may involve the removal of Volodymyr Zelensky, which could result in a government that ostensibly faces the West but in time leans more towards Russia.
Mr Trump may think he can manipulate Vladimir Putin, but Putin has proved countless times that he can’t be trusted. He wants Ukraine so he can expand Russia’s empire, but he will not stop there. All the old satellite states are at risk.
This is not just about ending a war and saving lives; this about the very existence of a democratic country.
Lynn Pearson
Northend, Warwickshire
SIR – If a ceasefire can be agreed between Russia and Ukraine, and Vladimir Putin has no intention of returning at a later date to annex further Ukrainian territory, why has he demanded that there should be “complete cessation of foreign military aid and the provision of intelligence information to Kyiv” (report, March 19)?
David Vincent
Hawkhurst, Kent
SIR – Admiral Lord West blames the coalition and Conservative governments for failing to order enough ships, leaving the Royal Navy ill-equipped to deter war (Letters, March 20).
We should not forget, however, that limited defence resources inevitably call for hard decisions and, in recent years, the priority has rightly been the threat from an expansionist Russia in Europe. In that scenario, the Navy has a minimal role to play. Ordering more support ships and destroyers – which are required primarily to deploy aircraft carriers to the South China
Sea – has to be a lower priority.
If the UK is to lead a “coalition of the willing” to deter Russian aggression in the event of a ceasefire in Ukraine, the Army and the RAF must be first in line for additional resources.
Gp Capt Alan Ferguson RAF (retd)
Hadleigh, Suffolk
SIR – It is unlikely that Putin will adhere to any ceasefire – he will certainly test its boundaries. And if we are not prepared to confront Russian violations, what is our support for Ukraine worth?
If our Armed Forces are to be sent to Ukraine in any capacity, we must be prepared to go to war with Russia. Sir Keir Starmer must be honest about that with the British people, and get cracking on preparations for such an eventuality.
Ron Powell
Barry, Glamorgan