At the time of the collapse of the former Soviet Union we had a real chance to put 50 plus years of mutual distrust to one side and begin a brave dawn of co-operation and respect.
A Marshall Plan similar to the ones that led to the rebuilding of Germany and Japan could, and should, have been introduced to the post Soviet empire, offering an olive branch, a chance to a build a better world.
This was not done as the West sought to rub Russian noses in the mud instead.
Need an example?
An aid convoy was turned back by the G7 group because Russia had not paid a financial debt. Take a bow David Cameron (him again).
Since then Russia has turned East towards China.
Joint military exercises have been carried out since 2005. In the last two years they include off the coasts of Japan and South Korea respectively.
You don’t have to be Mystic Meg to realise a dangerous scenario with simultaneous attack on Taiwan and Ukraine is a distinct possibility.
Let’s hope and pray not.
Rick Stringer
Sutton St James
