Ukraine under the invader’s boot as the world watches

A leader’s willingness to commit sons and daughters, mothers and fathers to the perils of conflict and possible death (“Russia says Kyiv air defence systems ‘eliminated’ ”, 24/2) demonstrates an absolute lack of empathy for most human beings who would simply prefer to live a peaceful life devoid of violence and war. Invasion of Ukraine makes Putin no different to any other terrorist prepared to commit mass murder for ideological or political aims except, sadly, he seems to have the full force of his military and government cronies behind him.

Shandra Coppard, Gleniffer, NSW

One of the greatest failings of our education curriculums is that history is not being taught to our young people. Do they know that three million to five million people died of starvation as a result of Stalin’s policies in Ukraine?

Surveys suggest young Australians don’t accept that democracy is preferable to socialism. Would our youth be so enamoured with socialism and communism if they knew the fearful damage inflicted by dictators on their own populations? In 2012, a brave journalist living in Moscow, Masha Gessen, wrote a book, The Man Without a Face, describing the rise of Putin that was orchestrated by the oligarchs. A small-time KGB thug became one of the most powerful men in the world. If the stories of the 20th century – major players, good and bad – are not made available to students, then significant events in the 21st century will make no sense to a large percentage of the Australian people.

PJ McLeod, Salamander Bay, NSW

Greg Sheridan (“Weak response to Putin means Ukraine has to fight”, 24/2) points out that so far Putin’s gains in Ukraine have come with little cost. But full occupation of Ukraine would impose a massive burden on an economy now only about half the size of that of the UK.

Exports of crucial energy would fall dramatically and financial sanctions would severely shrink internal economic activity.

Putin surely remembers the pain experienced by Soviet forces in Afghanistan and it would represent an enormous economic gamble to occupy a European country where the citizens are likely to offer massive resistance.

Bob Miller, Wembley, WA

First there was Stalin, then there was Khrushchev, now there is Putin. Never trust a Russian dictator. It always ends badly unless you have a strong US president.

Truman had Stalin’s measure, Kennedy forced Khrushchev to back down, but all Putin is facing is a lot of talk and ineffective action from Biden. This can only end badly for Ukraine and the West. No doubt China’s Xi Jinping is already emboldened by his friend Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

Christopher Doogan, Malua Bay, NSW

As opposed to indulging in bellicose chest-beating, histrionic, inflammatory accusations, denials and denunciations, Vladimir Putin speaks softly and carries a big stick. And where others flail about, Putin determinedly, decisively and with chilling effect pursues his agenda.

Deborah Morrison, Malvern East, Vic

Forget the UN. The only people capable of stopping that criminal Putin are the Russian people. Get democratic nations to stop issuing visas to all Russians and stop buying Russian gas, oil and goods.

That will turn the people against Putin. They can’t drink oil or eat Kalashnikovs.

Peter A Metzdorf, Kenmore Hills, Qld

History, after all, has a role for Joe Biden, that long-serving – some would say time-serving – relatively obscure Democratic foot soldier senator from Delaware become President. Sadly his role is to be the Neville Chamberlain of the 21st century, to tread the primrose path of appeasement. First Afghanistan, now Ukraine; what next? Taiwan. Australia, get your house in order.

Paul Everingham, Hamilton, Qld

Well, the events of the past few days have certainly answered a few questions for Taiwan in terms of just what they can expect from the West and the UN in the event that China sends the People’s Liberation Army across the Taiwan Strait. Some foot-stamping. Some arm-waving. And plenty of speeches awash with meaningless platitudes about self-determination and political freedom.

The West’s star is certainly on the wane.

John McHarg, Maylands, WA