OPINION

Window of opportunism

Re: "EU to grant blanket protection to refugees", (BP, March 4) and "Early implications of Russian invasion", (Opinion, March 4).

European countries and Nato are still recovering from the hangover of the old Soviet empire. It is wishful thinking that the EU and the US will be able to save Ukraine. The rise of the far right in France, Germany and other EU countries against immigration from Asia, Africa and the Middle East exposes the hypocrisy of human rights. The hostile and racist policies against immigrants and refugees from these regions are now out the window to make way for allowing millions of Ukrainians to settle in the EU unconditionally.

The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine is no different from what we see in Myanmar, Palestine or Afghanistan. Sadly, Putin will still be there. He has fans and friends like Mr Trump and many others in Asia, including India and China. Yes, I agree that this time the EU and the US will do lasting damage to the Russian economy. But make no mistake, Mr Putin and his powerful clique are still here.

One for the adages

Re: "Save civilians in Ukraine", (Editorial, March 4).

Now Thailand is finally beginning to wake up and realise that the invasion of Ukraine is an act of unprecedented evil that does not justify the neutrality advocated by PM Prayut and the royalist/conservative clique.

The aphorism "Better late than never" is true, no doubt. But there are two other aphorisms that are superior to it: "The early bird gets the worm" and "A stitch in time saves nine".

Missing pillar

Re: "Russian disbelief", (PostBag, March 2).

One of the problems of Alexandra's post is that the Russian people do not know what is happening in Ukraine. A free press is one of the pillars of democracy but does not exist in Russia, or any totalitarian regime.

The Russian people are only told what the regime wants them to hear on state media and all social networks are shut down or state-controlled.

We should all be thankful for the work that journalists do, and the ability to contact each other freely, even though we often disagree with what we hear. I believe if the Russian people knew what was happening in their name the "special operation" would end immediately.

Asean values

Re: "Might doesn't make right, unjust wars will fail", (Opinion, March 3).

We would certainly wish that "unjust wars will fail"; the ugly reality is that they have often succeeded. It is not yet certain that Putin's war will not succeed.

It certainly seems, to cite another current example, that the war against the Myanmar people that began a year ago with the military coup has not failed.

In that pursuit of unjust gain by violence, both coup committers and war wagers also wage a disinformation war by suppressing free speech.

On a more optimistic note, the global response that seeks to non-violently punish Putin's aggression is appropriate. Let us hope it will prove victorious. It is encouraging to see so many nations, organisations and even international businesses unite in working to deny the aggressors the economic fruits so dear to them.

Under Putin's repressive rule, the Russian people have been subjected to financial inequality, as gross as that which has also come to exist in Thailand; with the spoils going, no surprise, to those close to and supportive of Putin. As Mr Borrell explains, Thailand should join in the actions to punish those using violence and intimidation to force their personal agenda on entire nations.

If Asean and its individual member nations hold to any decent values such as respect for democracy founded on just law or respect for human rights protected by just law, it would unequivocally join in the global actions to punish Russia's military aggression against Ukraine. Even traditionally neutral Switzerland has joined in the non-violent confounding of Putin's aggression. But then, had Asean any commitment to such values, it would also act to isolate and economically punish those who commit coups against the people of Asean member nations.

Veg distress

Re: "Bill of fare", (PostBag, March 4).

To justify their inhumane diet, meat-eaters will stoop to any level to take shots at vegetarians. Paul Renaud warns vegetarians that the price of tomatoes is soaring. Gosh Paul, I'm terrified! Does that mean vegan Ming Kwan restaurant in Chiang Mai where I go every morning for breakfast will soon start charging me 51 baht for rice and three vegetables instead of the usual 50 baht? Thanks for the warning Paul. No more vegetarian meals for me!