Ukraine is fighting for all of Europe – we have to support them

Letters to the editor: our readers share their views. Please send your letters to letters@independent.co.uk

This government needs to properly face up to enemies of the country both outside our borders and within if we are to have a democratic future (EPA)

When will Western governments wake up to the fact that Ukraine is fighting to preserve the future freedom of the entire continent? Are politicians so distracted that they don’t realise that Ukraine needs all countries to send ammunition urgently rather than get tied up in relatively minor squabbles amongst themselves?

This government needs to properly face up to enemies of the country both outside our borders and within if we are to have a democratic future. What future can any party promise at the next UK general election?

Jonathan Longstaff

Sussex

How will history remember Putin?

It’s difficult to judge what Vladimir Putin’s legacy will be. Will he be remembered as a brutal dictator, a despotic tyrant, a war criminal, or simply a coward? Certainly, after the death of Alexei Navalny, he has proven himself unable to even tolerate criticism without lashing out to silence dissent.

For the moment, the rest of the world needs to acknowledge that there is no greater priority than coming together as one to stand up to this vainglorious, puffed-up poseur and any who ally themselves with him. Let us hope that the free world’s governments do not falter in the face of his aggression; future generations will judge us according to how we respond to the existential threat that this monster poses to the world, and Ukraine is the front line of that battle.

Julian Self

Milton Keynes

A poor decision by any measure

At the last count, there were well over 7 million people in the UK aged over 70, virtually all of whom will have been brought up using imperial measures. One reason for many of them voting Leave was to get the EU metric mafia off their backs. Given the government’s complete contempt, with its patronising gesture of champagne in pints – an item drunk by few, in any event – it appears the mafia has infiltrated its ranks too.

All we want is to be allowed to use imperial measures. Nobody is suggesting the modern metricists be forced from their fancies. But the government’s action is odd in an election year. Does it have a death wish – or has its advisors attempted to claim “there’s no demand” when there’s considerable such? Seven million is a lot of votes to lose – especially in the red wall.

James Mason

Address supplied

Should we really feel shame for Shamima?

I disagree with the proposal in yesterday’s letter section that we in the UK carry “enormous shame” over the treatment of Shamima Begum.

Should we? How does one define that shame? How enormous? On what basis? Why is OK just to state that as if it were an immutable truth? Putting the proposition in that way harms your argument. What gives anyone the authority to say something, as if they have weighed it and had it judged in a court? Not just the appeal court but, much more importantly, the court of public opinion.

I feel for Shamina. She made poor choices. There are consequences. There must be. Do I feel ashamed of the consequences for her? No. Should anyone feel ashamed? No. Can we all feel for her anyway? We should.

What would be the basis for our “enormous shame”? Get a grip…

Steve Templeton

Address supplied