Russian people are innocents

■ There are 144 million people in Russia. More than 99pc have nothing to do with politics or these recent events in England.

Many are ordinary people, like in all societies, just going about trying to live day to day.

Celebrating a child’s birthday, hearing news of a parent being ill, looking for a new job, complaining about cold weather, hoping for an improved life, giving and receiving flowers etc.

Recent events and reporting in the media continue to use the phrase ‘Russia’ when referring to supposed actions of very few people.

We share with Irish and Russian society a common humanity of all people.

The Russian nation is in tears over the recent fire tragedy in a Russian shopping centre.

Many hearts are broken – the same as they would be if this were to occur in Ireland.

The majority of Russian people, like the Irish, inhabit a day-to-day world that is very far from politics and espionage.

Ireland as a nation is recognised for its céad míle fáilte and should continue to make strong, independent and informed decisions.

It is important that we as a nation preserve these important human relationships between decent people across all nations.

Eoin O’Sullivan Athenry, Co Galway