Each week our readers write in to us and share their opinions on a variety of subjects, some of local interest and some of national interest.
With shocking events unfolding in Ukraine, it is understandably a topic on many minds.
One reader, who wished to remain anonymous, wrote the following letter.
If you'd like to write in to us, please email: yourviews@guardiangrp.co.uk
"The fast-moving events unfolding in Ukraine over the past fortnight have been heart-breaking to witness.
"Apart from the darkest days of WWII, this country hasn’t lived under the threat of invasion for centuries. We take peace for granted.
"I think about my home and my family, and I can only imagine what it must be like to realise you have to grab some possessions and go, without knowing if you will return. In fact, no. I can’t imagine it at all, not really.
"However, out of the horror has been some rays of hope. The condemnation of Russia by the vast majority of countries around the globe, and the very real pride and love Ukrainians clearly have in their country.
"The leadership of Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has inspired us all.
"Here in the UK, people have donated millions of pounds to help with aid.
"The government has quickly announced family members of Ukrainian nationals already in the UK are welcome to seek refuge in the country – this could potentially be 100,000 people. Further announcements are expected imminently.
"Predictably those who have never quite got over Brexit are howling in outrage. Once again, it’s Boris is bad. EU is good. It really does get quite tiresome.
"Let’s explore this theory shall we? Well to start, how can the collective might of 27 countries be quite so feeble in their response to Russia’s actions.
"The answer is quite simple. I’m afraid it’s all down to vested interest. Germany is too concerned about gas and trade to get tough. Italy was worried about who they were going to sell their designer gear to.
"Then there is the initial response to Ukraine’s request to become a member of the EU. Nope, you have years of red tape to get through before that is allowed. If there’s one thing the EU loves, even in times of crisis, is bureaucracy.
"And what of Biden, the Left’s saviour after defeating Trump? Well he seems to have spent his time smirking through press conferences and not really having any kind of grasp of what is going on.
"There are also the obvious home security issues of suddenly opening the doors to thousands of people. I’m not saying they shouldn’t come, it’s vital we show compassion, but shouldn’t we at least be doing some basic background checks?
"Do we just accept people with horrific criminal backgrounds? Is that ok because they are a refugee? I’m asking a question I’m not sure of the answer to.
"There’s a final point that people also seem to ignore. Who says Ukrainians want to come here anyway?
"What they seem to want is to live in their wonderful country, and that’s where our focus should be – getting it back for them.
"Perhaps if everyone hadn’t been standing idly by they wouldn’t be in this horrible mess."
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