Letters: Ukrainians just need to look to Crimea to see what reality of a ‘deal' would be

Irish Independent

15 hours ago

The leader of the pack agrees to stop assaulting you – if you let them keep what they have already taken. They may consider permitting you to install enhanced security measures in the future.
Incidentally, life is hell for Ukrainians in Crimea. 'Special measures' and tribunals have been set up to deal with any dissent.
How did we get it so wrong?
Daniel Smith, Blackrock, Co Dublin
The truth is that America keeps getting stronger the longer Putin's war goes on
America is winning the war in Ukraine.
Russia spends 7.1pc of its GDP on defence, double the US level.
Russia has suffered a million casualties; the US arms industry is booming as Europe re-arms.
Nato is buying US equipment to send to Ukraine. Russia has lost half its foreign income from oil and gas.
The longer the war goes on, the more Russia is weakened and America is strengthened.
John Doherty, Gaoth Dobhair, Co Dhún na nGall
Expansionist dictators now have a roadmap to getting what they want
Reports of Donald Trump's Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin, conducted not over hard diplomacy but filet mignon, halibut Olympia and green salad, ought to chill Europe more than amuse it.
What is at stake is not the menu, but the spectacle of two men deciding the fate of Ukraine without Ukraine present ('As Trump bows to Putin, Europe must prepare for the worst', Irish Independent, August 18).
The wider danger lies in the precedent. If borders and sovereignty can be redrawn in a dinner meeting, international law is reduced to table talk.
The extrapolation is clear: once this becomes an acceptable mode of negotiation, other authoritarian leaders will be emboldened to test the same weakness.
The prediction is bleaker still. A Ukraine carved up in Alaska may be only the first course. Moldova, the Baltics, even Taiwan, could follow as Moscow and Beijing take note of Washington's willingness to appease under the guise of expedience.
Europe, then, must prepare for the worst. To dine with Putin is one thing; to digest his terms is quite another.
Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Co Armagh
When you look at world leaders it's clear that the agenda is someone else's
Watching world politicians waffling reminds me of what the British parliamentarian Pitt the Elder said: 'There is something behind the throne greater than the king himself.'
John Finegan, Bailieborough, Co Cavan
What's in a name? If you can inspire others by example, then quite a lot
The recent death of actor Terence Stamp reminds me of his wonderful performance in the movie Far From The Madding Crowd.
Sad indeed that fellow actors in that movie, Peter Finch and Alan Bates are also since departed.
It's nice to note that the female lead, Julie Christie, is hale and hearty at 85. Indeed by his own admission, singer Tony Christie was so impressed by her, that he adopted her surname.
Is there a greater compliment?
Tom Gilsenan, Beaumont, Dublin 9
Let's not forget – as some have – that the head of State is to remain neutral
Fionnán Sheahan writes that should former minister Heather Humphreys decide to enter the race for the Áras, she might be called on to explain 'why she stepped away from politics' recently ('Heather Humphreys is a better candidate but Simon Harris is a liability to campaign', Irish Independent, August 18).
One thing is certain, the response from the Monaghan woman will be straight and true.
The office of president is 'above politics'. And rightly so.
Though there are those who have lost the run of themselves while holding high office, causing no end of concern for our 'ordinary' political masters, as well as for the people they represent.
Another contender, it's been widely reported, has expressed 'distrust' of the UK, France and Germany ­recently. Not a great start for an aspiring head of State.
The incumbent has been known to 'cross the constitutional boundary' more than once during his almost 14 years in the Phoenix Park.
Let's hope the next holder of the 'highest office' maintains some apolitical equilibrium, save for those times that necessitate presidential intervention.
Peter Declan O'Halloran, Belturbet, Co Cavan
Eating disorders are often complex to treat, so rising numbers are a big worry
It was worrying reading last week that a study found that for under-18s with eating disorders there was a 121pc rise in hospitalisations between 2018 and 2022 – from 170 admissions in 2018 to 375 in 2022 – with a sharp spike during the pandemic.
Eating disorders are complex ­medical conditions that not only affect the young person concerned but also their loved ones, family and friends.
It strikes me that wraparound care is essential, requiring an increase in investment at a national level.
Not every treatment will work successfully for every person that presents at a hospital, or is diagnosed with an eating disorder.
If any reader, or professional working with young people, wants an insight into this issue, I strongly recommend Evanna Lynch's memoir: The Opposite of Butterfly Hunting.
It is a harrowing, haunting, honest and unflinching account, and yet a beautifully crafted read that reflects the author's own journey with an eating disorder that she ultimately overcomes. Let us hope these figures do not continue to rise.
Stephen O'Hara, Carrowmore, Co Sligo
We must be careful of any language that fuels the fire under racist attacks
The recent attacks on members of the Indian community are abhorrent.
They are also, as noted by many commentators, puzzling, as the ­Indian community continues to ­contribute so much to Irish society.
The fact that they are puzzling does not make them more abhorrent. All racist attacks are abhorrent, regardless of whether the target community contributes economically or not.
Chants of 'Get them Out' at anti-immigration protests may legitimise and encourage these appalling attacks. We all need to be careful with our language and not tolerate any racism, taunts, slurs or 'jokes'.