Russia response

The prime minister’s response to the question of what New Zealand will do about Russia’s (i.e. Vladimir Putin’s) involvement in the poisoning of at least two people in the UK; and previous serious interference in other Western liberal democracies elections, is appalling.

Either she is trying to make a joke of the whole sad business or she is naive and stupid. Perhaps worse, she may be under undue influence from Winston Peters, who rails against other dictatorships, but appears to have a love affair with Russia.

Now we are alone among our Five Eyes allies and most other Western democracies in not denouncing and punishing Russia. Shame on us.

TIMOTHY JOHN SKINNER

Tirohanga