Help Ukraine – now

SIR – I am becoming more than a little concerned about the West’s attitude to the Russo-ukrainian conflict.

It appears a view is forming that the Ukrainians have had a good victory in Kyiv, and so it can be left at that. Let the Russians have some territory, seems to be the attitude, and we can all sleep in peace – as of course the world did in 1938 after Czechoslovakia was sacrificed at Munich.

The main event is taking place in the southern and south-eastern parts of Ukraine, and now is not the time for the West – Germany and France, in particular – to forget promises made.

The Ukrainians need weapons, aircraft and equipment, as never before, to tip the balance.

Bearing in mind that Russia has blocked off a large amount of the world’s food supply and smashed the associated infrastructure, stern and sustained action by the West is still needed.

So often the West has won a partial victory and then dropped the ball just when total success is within its grasp. Iraq and Afghanistan are the prime examples. Let it not happen again. Simon Sanders

Lincoln

SIR – Why are the Western nations waiting to see what more horrors are committed by Russia before actually committing themselves to physical involvement?

We have become so habituated to this threatening, bullying nation that we have lost our power and authority. Surely we should be leading with the strongest message possible in this conflict, not waiting for yet more war crimes to be committed.

The West has adopted a political stance first and military action second, but defeat is the only thing that will stop Vladimir Putin. Only total Western commitment will ensure this. Steve Urwin

Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

SIR – That any Western nation should suggest Ukraine cede territory as part of a peace deal with Russia is a disgrace.

Russia must exit all parts of Ukraine and pay compensation before any peace deal is agreed or sanctions are lifted. Justice must prevail. Jonathan Longstaff

Buxted, East Sussex