Starmer shows how to lead the free world on peace deal

The US has elected a leader who ably demonstrated his bullyboy tactics in full view of the world in a disgraceful meeting with the Ukrainian leader (“Post-World War II order no longer applies under Trump”, 4/3).

Donald Trump made it clear he has absolutely no understanding of the subtleties of diplomacy. And he brought along his attack dog, Vice-President JD Vance, and let him off the leash.

Volodymyr Zelensky could not get a word in edgewise and the dice were loaded two to one from the outset.

This was appalling behaviour from what we used to call the leaders of the free world. There was certainly no equal opportunity for the Ukrainian leader. He was set up, ambushed and relentlessly attacked for simply trying to explain his case and the opportunity was denied. Fortunately, the world was watching this debacle orchestrated by two men who should know better.

Conversely, the British Prime Minister has demonstrated impressive leadership qualities by inviting European heads of state to a roundtable discussion resulting in a united front in support of Ukraine’s right to exist. This, in the face of proven aggression from another bullyboy, Vladimir Putin, is extraordinary. Well done, Sir Keir Starmer. And note these leaders ask nothing of Ukraine in return for their support, not minerals or anything else. They simply want peace and are prepared to work together to achieve it.

This is remarkable, and they have left Trump well and truly isolated on the world stage. He would be well advised to take a leaf out of Starmer’s book and start working together with those who can help him Make America Great Again.

Iris Jones, Lesmurdie, WA

Volodymyr Zelensky is like a gambler who refuses to leave the poker table at the casino, desperately trying to win back his losses.

The longer he stays, the more he risks losing – not money but lives. His judgment may be clouded by his deep resentment for the dealer, Vladimir Putin.

Meanwhile, another player, Taiwan, still breaking even at the table, is beginning to see that the house – Donald Trump – could stack the odds against them as well. Other players in the casino, in Europe and Asia, are reassessing their strategies. For Australia, AUKUS is now a big bet on 36 red.

John Kempler, Rose Bay, NSW

It seems everyone has been seriously discombobulated by the latest theatrics of the Oval Office, as if it were the one unimaginably horrific time tempers frayed around vital discussions over international conflicts. Are we all silly enough to imagine Harry S. Truman was always decisive and imperturbable, John F. Kennedy always handsome and unruffled, and Ronald Reagan always jolly and joking? The huge difference since Donald Trump took office is that matters once decided behind closed doors are now debated on the Oval Office stage.

Rosemary O’Brien, Ashfield, NSW

Donald Trump’s handling of the Ukraine issue was appalling. There are no excuses for his behaviour. However, a bit of research into the history of this conflict, and a bit of thought about the history of conflict in general, leads me to believe that Trump’s approach, albeit brutal, may unfortunately be the only solution.

The people in the region, both Ukrainians and Russians, are suffering and there is some evidence that they simply want the war to stop, at any price. So I can only hope that Trump, despite his boorish behaviour, realises all this and is adopting the only feasible strategy that will lead to peace: appeasement. It is anathema to most of us but it is pragmatic. The public face of the issue is very ugly and Trump is not a smooth operator, But he has a difficult task ahead of him – to play both sides and get it right, or there will be devastating consequences for everyone.

Sarah and Michael Guppy, Moruya, NSW

The over-the-top reaction to the Trump-Zelensky spat is frankly astonishing. Heated discussions between world leaders happen all the time. It is nothing new. The only difference now is that we are witnessing it unfold in real time.

This is not some earth-shattering diplomatic crisis; it’s simply the reality of international relations. President Donald Trump sees the bigger picture and perhaps it’s time the rest of us did, too. Let’s take a breath, regain some perspective and focus on the real challenges facing the world.

Roland Lang, Flagstaff Hill, SA