Last Post: Trump’s ‘deal’ with Putin detrimental to Ukraine

A deal-maker? Give us a break. With the exchange of a few innocent Israeli hostages for hundreds of convicted criminals and murderers, and now totalitarian murderer Putin rewarded, there are kids in the playground doing deals with marbles that leave Trump’s abilities in the shade (“President’s change of tack: sweet nothings, long talks”, 14/2). And threats of hell is obviously a Broadway musical.

Peter M. Wargent, Mosman, NSW

It would appear Ukraine has been thrown under the proverbial bus and the US will not honour its NATO commitments. Beware Europe, Vladimir Putin can do as he pleases now.

Jeff Stokes, Largs Bay, SA

Adam Creighton, in writing of the US’s folly in arming Ukraine against Russia’s illegal war (“US ‘support’ to Ukraine did no favours in conflict”, 14/2), ends with the chilling words of Henry Kissinger: “To be America’s enemy is dangerous, to be its friend is fatal.” Where does that leave Australia?

Claire Jolliffe, Buderim, Qld

It’s shameful that Ukraine is now being treated as a mere bargaining chip by Donald Trump. Is there any bigger red flag as to the reliability of the US as an ally? Yet, incredibly, Australia continues to gleefully throw billions of AUKUS dollars with absolutely nothing in return for decades, if at all. We might not be a bargaining chip just yet, but for now we are Trump’s golden goose.

Martin Klavins, Crafers West, SA

Vice-chancellors should understand there is already an area available for the safety of all students. It is called the university campus (“Uni sets up safe room for Jewish students”, 12/2).

William Mapleston, Ashgrove, Qld

By refusing to commit to preferencing the Greens last at the forthcoming election, Anthony Albanese’s claim that he is totally committed to tackling anti-Semitism in Australian society does not stand scrutiny (“PM pushed to put ‘racist’ Greens last”, 14/2).

Riley Brown, Bondi Beach, NSW

Tony Lupton is to be applauded for his article (“It’s time Labor rethinks deal with ‘extremist’ Greens,” 13/2) clearly setting out his reason for preferencing the Greens candidate last in the recent Victorian by-election. There is a lesson here for both major parties prior to the upcoming federal election: if you don’t want Australia to be led by the nose by a minority government, then have the courage to emulate Tony and put the Greens last.

Geoffrey Bond, Port Macquarie, NSW