Sir, – The UN, for all its faults, has a clever prerequisite for sending in peacekeeping forces: first off, there has to be a peace to keep. Similarly, there has to be a neutrality to be respected by both sides before neutrality works, or can begin to work. The invasion of Ukraine is proof positive that turning the other cheek requires reciprocity, otherwise it’s like fielding a team with no goalie. A balance of compulsions has to be reached, and I fear the Kremlin is nowhere near there yet.
It’s Ukraine’s and the West’s job to bring them to that realisation, hopefully without starting World War Three.
This “Why can’t we all get along together?” mantra only works in Disney movies featuring fluffy bunnies. – Yours, etc,
PJ MALONEY,
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Cloneyheigue,
Co Westmeath.