Ukraine’s power

Regarding “Peace can’t be achieved with simplistic slogans” (Nov. 15): Some things actually are simpler than the author suggests. He tries to “two sides” Ukraine invasion and urges the arrogant West to reach out to Putin to “seek a resolution” because, for one thing, China, India and “the majority of the world’s population” resonates with Putin’s perspective. What is strikingly clear is that an aggressive superpower illegally and without provocation invaded an independent country. Russia has committed crimes against humanity that it will have to answer for eventually at The Hague. So what is there for the West to negotiate about? Ukraine has made its position clear. It is defending its territory. Throughout history, people have chosen to die for principles. The West played no role in provoking Putin’s disastrous decision, and outside of assisting a victim and repudiating an aggressor, it has no say in Ukraine’s self-determination. Jeanette Pieczonka, Burlington