Letters: Britain must offer immediate sanctuary to Ukrainians

Unintended consequences

Sir: The West has got it wrong when it comes to putting a stranglehold on
Vladimir Putin (‘Putin’s rage’, 5 March). Harsh economic sanctions will ultimately punish millions of ordinary Russians, many of whom are poor and probably against the invasion of Ukraine. If the products Russian workers produce do not sell then those workers become unemployed and forced into poverty. That could quickly turn more Russian citizens against the West, strengthening support for Putin rather than weakening it, thus prolonging the occupation and hostilities. So far, the West hasn’t done a great deal regarding this invasion, other than turn the wheels of Putin’s propaganda machine for him.

Stefan Badham

Portsmouth, Hampshire

Putin’s put-down

Sir: Owen Matthews is perhaps uniquely well-placed to comment on Russian affairs and is a most valued columnist. Like many he got it wrong, however, on the likelihood of a Russian invasion of Ukraine. Like many he has also failed to understand the staged theatre of Putin’s so-called put-down of his Foreign Intelligence Service head, Sergei Naryshkin (‘Putin’s rage’, 5 March).