Hope that Russia’s retreat signals the beginning of the end for Vladimir Putin

SIR – With the retreat of Russian forces on a number of fronts in Ukraine, and the diplomatic humiliation that the country will experience at the G20 summit, we are probably witnessing the end of Vladimir Putin.

His position was established and sustained through intrigue, the ruthless elimination of perceived rivals, the suppression of free speech and the cultivation of a strongman image. He has distanced himself from his people and relies on a small cabal of advisers. His needless and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and inability to defeat a country fighting for its very survival prove that a greedy empirebuilder will never overcome a determined and committed opponent.

If he is lucky, he will be retired to a small dacha well away from the corridors of power, with plenty of time to reflect on how he has caused his own downfall and brought shame on his country. But many former Russian leaders have not been lucky.

David S Ainsworth

Manchester

SIR – Now is the time to accelerate Ukraine joining Nato.

This would give it the reassurance it needs to enter into meaningful negotiations, while sending a clear message to Vladimir Putin. And what can he do? His rhetoric has been shown to be bluster. He is very much on the back foot, and simply trying to preserve his personal power base. Paul Rudd

Woldingham, Surrey

SIR – The line between brokering peace and appeasement is fine. If the West does not defeat Vladimir Putin and his forces definitively and publicly, Russia will have defeated the West.

There can be no compromise: Putin must be replaced, Russian forces must withdraw from the territories they illegally invaded and reparations to Ukraine agreed.

David Kelly

Broseley, Shropshire SIR – “Give peace a chance, US tells Ukraine” (report, November 11).

Would the Biden administration sit down to negotiate a peace treaty with Vladimir Putin if he invaded and occupied Alaska?

Dr RD Ogilvy

Nottingham