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When Putin eventually falls, the west must build a better relationship with Russia, writes Gerald Dunning, while Derrick Joad condemns the weakness of Europe’s response to the crisis. Plus letters from David Allen and Larry JohnstonIn addition to the foreign policy mistakes listed by Timothy Garton Ash (Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will change the face of Europe for ever, 24 February), we should acknowledge the serious error of western powers, in particular America and Britain, who responded to the collapse of communism in eastern Europe in 1989-90 with a spirit of triumphalism. The ensuing humiliation and isolation felt by the Russian people was exactly the sort of climate would-be nationalist demagogues are able to exploit to dangerous effect, and Vladimir Putin’s egregious attack on Ukraine is now an outcome for which we in the west are, at least partly, responsible.There will come a time – though it is unlikely to be soon and the task may not initially be easy, given the newly kindled fears and suspicions of eastern European states – when the fall of Putin gives the west an opportunity to begin to build a much more positive and cordial relationship with Russia. This is something many of its currently suppressed citizens would warmly welcome. We should be especially mindful of the mistake we made 30 years ago when that chance arises.Dr Gerald DunningTonteg, Pontypridd Continue reading...