The danger of a weakened Russia kicking out like a stricken beast
SIR – Frank Hurst (Letters, March 14) raises a valuable point. Vladimir Putin could have chosen a less attributable weapon for the recent assassination attempt. The fact he didn’t is worrying.
He is trying to assure a domestic audience that Russia is still a great power and can act with impunity, but this apparent display of strength hides a weakness.
Russia’s economy is smaller than those of Canada or South Korea, and is too dependent on oil prices. Its military hardware is ageing and its influence in what it terms “the near abroad” has never been weaker.
But ailing empires are dangerous. The weaker they become, the more desperate their attempts to disguise it. Sanctions against Russia could indeed demonstrate it is a hollowed out power but this could lead to a frightening maelstrom Justin Thomas
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
SIR – In a debate on British support for Poland against Nazi aggression in 1939, as the deputy leader of the Labour Party got to his feet, he was urged to “speak for England” in reply to Neville Chamberlain’s speech.
Contrast this with the speech by the leader of the Labour Party in reply to the statement by Theresa May, the Prime Minister, on the use of nerve agents on British soil.
Indeed, I’m not sure that “speaking for the nation” would mean anything to Jeremy Corbyn. All his political career he has supported countries and groups opposed to UK policy – the Warsaw Pact, Argentina, the IRA and groups that want to destroy Israel.
Isn’t it time Labour MPS asked whether they can support a man like this taking charge of our defences? Bernard Ideson
Keighley, West Yorkshire
SIR – It is time to stop the laundering of Russian money through the British property market. No proof of guilt of individuals behind the nerve agent attack is needed; we should do this anyway. It is shaming to turn a blind eye in case it damages estate agents or, heaven forbid, moderates prices. Robin Charles
Ottery St Mary, Devon
SIR – What are the chances of the next election having Russian interference to ensure Mr Corbyn becomes PM? Margaret Wilson
Ferndown, Dorset
SIR – Why not make it 24 and include Jeremy Corbyn? Richard Rouse
Sunningdale, Berkshire
SIR – At Glastonbury this year will they be singing “Oh, Vladimir Putin”? Paul Trewhela
Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
SIR – I understand Mr Corbyn’s attachment to the old Soviet Union, as a nostalgic Lefty, but hasn’t he noticed that modern Russia is to the Right of almost everywhere that he despises? Vaughan Hawker
Witchampton, Dorset