‘All should bear the huge costs of war’
VLADIMIR Putin was seen telling the world that Russia and Ukraine are one people.
So the logical response is that he is killing some of his own people.
In fact this is more than just logic, because he has long been subduing the people of Russia, increasing inequality and encouraging only the wealthy Russians who support him, while lying to everyone else about how he is fighting for them and their motherland.
It is good that we are starting to wage economic war against Putin and his wealthy supporters, for the long term benefit of ordinary Russians as well as the people of Ukraine, but does it not need speeding up?
Government ministers say we are at the forefront of this, but the US and EU are ahead of us. In spite of the words spoken, our government has delayed some sanctions against oligarchs, giving these people time to shift their money.
Then what about reducing and eventually stopping the use and payment to Russia for oil and gas?
This will harm ordinary folk here unfortunately, but it is sometimes said there is no gain without pain. The expected huge increase in cost of living must be accepted by all.
However, the sacrifice involved in this economic war will not be fairly shared among our people.
The economic inequality in our land must be corrected and done quickly. Replacing the £20 a week cut in Universal Credit, ensuring those dependent on the state pension get a better deal and so on and so on.
That requires the wealthy corporations and individuals to pay their fair share towards this, like windfall taxes and increased capital gains tax, but so far we have a Government that is not minded to do that.
Can we expect all people to support this economic war without a fundamental redistribution of wealth? Nigel Jones