Cuts in Western defence spending encouraged Putin to invade Ukraine

SIR – The war in Ukraine represents a failure of Western deterrence. Under-investment in conventional forces by consecutive governments since 1989, together with American strategic impatience, ensured defeat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Vladimir Putin concluded that the West had neither the stomach nor the capability to challenge him.

Without technologically advanced conventional forces in sufficient quantity, our options are limited to strong language or nuclear war. General Sir Patrick Sanders, the Chief of the General Staff of the British Army, is to be commended for his courage in pointing out our current shortfalls (report, June 30).

The Government was happy to spend £400billion to paralyse our economy over an illness with a mortality rate of less than 1 per cent. It seems markedly less keen to invest in the tools to deter a nuclear war, with a potential 100 per cent mortality rate.

W J P Hennessy-barrett

St Martin, Jersey

SIR – The undeniably experienced General Sir Patrick Sanders says that further cuts to Army numbers would be “perverse” – not an ambiguous term. The Prime Minister, with no military standing whatsoever, says a further reduction of 10,000 is fine.

A simple question: which one is right, particularly given the implications of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine? This is probably the most dangerous time for national security infor years, but the PM thinks a further reduction of our already inadequate Armed Forces is justified.

Charles Holden

Micheldever, Hampshire

SIR – With Finland and Sweden now set to join Nato (report, June 29) and Ukraine on the path to join the European Union, Mr Putin – the self-styled master strategist – has been completely undone and will hopefully pay for the many war crimes committed on his orders.

General Sir Patrick Sanders and Ben Wallace, the Defence Secretary, reminded us that we are at a 1937 moment with potential for war in Europe again (report, June 28).

If this is the case, we will once again require the fortitude and sacrifice of the men and women of the British Armed Forces. Let’s hope ministers do not quibble about pay rises. After all, many in the Armed Forces do more and receive significantly less than those who are now striking.

Col Hamish de Bretton-gordon (retd) Tisbury, Wiltshire

SIR – Various governments and bodies express their determination to defeat Russia and ensure that Mr Putin pays the price for his atrocities.

These are just words – and increasingly empty ones. No one has ever defeated a tyrant by speaking to him, and the tragic loss of life and destruction will continue. There may not be the stomach to deal with this and we all may worry about nuclear escalation. But if not now, then when?

Colin Watson Burghfield Common, Berkshire