Standing by Ukraine

SIR – We are watching the destruction of the eastern part of Ukraine. When the war is won or lost there will be nothing left of the area, because of this scorched earth policy.

Vladimir Putin is risking the lives of thousands of his troops and killing thousands of civilians. What will he hold in his hand when this is all over? Nothing except destruction.

I fear that the world is sitting back and watching this war in Europe. We are not doing enough. The people of Ukraine are a proud and brave nation, and my heart bleeds for them. Mr Putin has to be stopped and we can’t just leave it to the Ukrainians.

Bridget Garvin

Leyburn, North Yorkshire

SIR – Why is Russia still holding a seat on the UN Security Council? It has invaded a sovereign state.

Why is a Russian judge sitting in the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg? The invading Russians are being charged with hundreds of war crimes.

Why are any Russian sportsmen and women being allowed to play sport in the West? It beggars belief. Jonathan Arthur

Neston, Wirral

SIR – Reports suggest that a rising percentage of Europeans would cede part of east Ukraine to Vladimir Putin if it meant a cessation of hostilities. This an incredibly naive attitude for a number of reasons.

First, Mr Putin would claim validation to the Russian people for his barbaric actions, with the obvious aim of renewing his popularity and securing his all-powerful position. What chance of reparations or justice then?

Secondly, it would result in Ukraine losing the Black Sea ports allimportant to its trading ability.

In addition, can we really believe that Mr Putin would call a complete halt to his ambitions? I think not. He has already displayed megalomaniac and psychopathic tendencies.

Mr Putin is holding the world to economic ransom as prices rise. If we give in now, what will have been the point of all the suffering and loss of life of the Ukrainian population? On the contrary, the West should be upping its game. Yes, there is a risk of escalation, but doing nothing will have consequences that will reverberate around the globe for decades. Howard March

Birmingham