When the fighting stops, Britain must help Russia and Ukraine live as neighbours again
We now know that Ukrainians mean to fight the Russian invasion with determination and bravery. In that fight they must have support. We cannot fail to admire fellow Europeans as they take up weapons to defend their country against meaningless aggression.
But what does support mean? The British government disagrees with many Ukrainians that it shares the same threat and should join the same fight. With Vladimir Putin in his possibly deranged state, the resulting paranoia and slaughter would play into his hands. It would be truly appalling and, on present evidence, risk a catastrophe that is as uncertain as it is unjustified.
Simon Jenkins is a Guardian columnist
Join a panel of journalists, hosted by Michael Safi, for a livestreamed event on the Russia-Ukraine crisis on Thursday 3 March, at 8pm GMT | 9pm CET | 12pm PST | 3pm EST. Book tickets here
