Letters to the Editor: Western folly must take some blame for Ukraine

An armoured personnel carrier burns and damaged light utility vehicles stand abandoned after fighting in Kharkiv, Ukraine.  Picture: AP Photo/Marienko Andrew

Objective observers will recognise that the current Ukrainian crisis stems fundamentally from the US-sponsored and EU-backed coup against the legitimate government of that country in 2014. This sought to shift a state that is divided between Ukrainian-speakers and Russian-speakers away from Russia’s sphere of influence towards Nato, the EU and the so-called “West”.

The concept of spheres of influence is not “imperialist” or old-fashioned. It is based on the facts of geography and history and is relevant to every country’s security.