In addition to the foreign policy mistakes listed by Timothy Garton Ash (Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will change the face of Europe for ever, 24 February), we should acknowledge the serious error of western powers, in particular America and Britain, who responded to the collapse of communism in eastern Europe in 1989-90 with a spirit of triumphalism. The ensuing humiliation and isolation felt by the Russian people was exactly the sort of climate would-be nationalist demagogues are able to exploit to dangerous effect, and Vladimir Putin’s egregious attack on Ukraine is now an outcome for which we in the west are, at least partly, responsible.
There will come a time – though it is unlikely to be soon and the task may not initially be easy, given the newly kindled fears and suspicions of eastern European states – when the fall of Putin gives the west an opportunity to begin to build a much more positive and cordial relationship with Russia. This is something many of its currently suppressed citizens would warmly welcome. We should be especially mindful of the mistake we made 30 years ago when that chance arises.
Dr Gerald Dunning
Tonteg, Pontypridd
• Whatever European politicians might say, they cannot disguise the fact that they are unwilling to take action to prevent aggressive Russian incursions into their homeland. The events leading up to the invasion seem suspiciously similar to the appeasement of Hitler. It was a no-no for western countries and Nato to help Ukraine equip its armed forces against possible Russian aggression, for fear of upsetting Vladimir Putin. Perhaps Germany’s offer of 5,000 protective helmets symbolises the weakness of the European approach.
Although through inaction the west has made it almost impossible to offer help to Ukrainians, it has a moral obligation to do so. The west must not repeat the humiliation of Budapest in 1956, when, having encouraged the Hungarians to rise against the Communist government, it did nothing to help when the Russian tanks rolled into Budapest.
Timothy Garton Ash is right that the west must act to prevent similar incursions in future. However, can European politicians rise to the occasion and take the necessary action to curb Putin? Looking at British politics, I can only see the unlikelihood of the necessary pan-European action being taken. At present, our politics is dominated by an insular, Europhobic Conservative party and government in thrall to the City of London and Russian money. Not the politicians capable of leading, or being part of, an effective collaborative effort to restrain Russia.
Derrick Joad
Leeds
• When nations are backed into a corner, they eventually lash out. Hitler was Germany’s disastrous response to the onerous war reparations inflicted by the first world war victors. Vladimir Putin is Russia’s disastrous response to the triumphal advance of Nato and the EU across the old Soviet fiefdoms of eastern Europe.
Nelson Mandela, uniquely, understood that it is crucial for victors to be magnanimous, to offer friendship to those they defeated, and thus seek to avoid renewed conflict. We have not learned from him. Putin is a monster. But we, the west, were the midwives at his birth.
David Allen
Nottingham
• Finally, after dithering as usual, the prime minister has had to recognise reality, admitting that “this is a catastrophe for our continent”. He now appears to align the United Kingdom with the continent of Europe and to recognise the need for unified action. What a pity he didn’t accept that before tearing apart one of the most useful alliances in history. No one is going to pay attention to this country on its own, and we are hardly going to achieve peace with two of the most heinous liars in the world dealing with the situation.
Larry Johnston
Brecon, Powys
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