No Russian Baltic attack

General Richard Shirreff seems to think it is almost a foregone conclusion that Russia will attack one of the Baltic States next year.

The quotes he produces from Vladimir Putin to support that argument are selective. Putin did say the loss of the old Soviet Union was something to be mourned by Russians but he also said words to the effect that no one in their right mind would try to restore it. He has said the idea of Russia attacking a Nato country was madness.

The portrayal of Russia as a terrible threat to the West is dishonest, irresponsible and dangerous.

If, God forbid, Russia did actually attack a Baltic State the Nato response would be led by America. There would be no question of a lack of military power or of reluctance to go to war.

Brendan O’Brien

Arundel Gardens

London