Letters to the Editor – 04/03 – Ukraine crisis, Best of Twitter
Ukraine crisis
[Re: Russia’s Ukraine attack is end of Pax Americana, yesterday]
A missile defence umbrella would represent a pointless and long-term burden, and is unlikely to restrain future Russian expansionism. The US and Europe are widely regarded as militarily incapable, and the expenditure of lives and money in Iraq and Afghanistan has proven a waste. Therefore, the only credible response to Russia is in the economic sphere – banning all trade and financial transfers. I doubt this will happen, however. Unless Russia attempts to annex all of Ukraine, it is likely to remain in de facto control of Crimea.
Alan Finlay
I find myself increasingly uncomfortable with the uniformly one-sided nature of much media coverage on Ukraine. I don’t think of Vladimir Putin as a “good guy,” but Western leaders are not “good guys” either. Claiming this was a brutal invasion is just not true. Many in south east Ukraine want close ties with Russia, and loudly call for Russian troops to get involved, while many in the north west call for greater distance. This is hardly a case of good versus bad, but a genuine cultural rift in a country which, let us remember, was externally assembled at the end of World War II, and which lacks a common identity.
Dan Tubb
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BEST OF TWITTER
66 per cent of all Russian gas exported to the EU transits Ukraine.
@LeonieGreene
Who’s most exposed? Poland sells 8.6 per cent of exports to Ukraine and Russia. Germany 3.8. Italy 3.6.
@Schuldensuehner
Good news. UK manufacturing PMI rose to 56.9 in February as the “strong upswing” continues.
@notayesmansecon
45,000 fewer NEETs than at this time last year. Our long-term economic plan is working.
@ben4ipswich