Don’t paint Putin into a corner
The Editor – If Ukraine and the western leaders force Putin into a corner, contrary to the belief of many in the UK Cabinet, he is likely to feel justified in doing something terrible (The West must face down Putin, James Nixey, February & March, 2022). As Lord Dannatt [the former Chief of the General Staff] wisely warned recently, should Putin feel threatened he may ‘persuade’ the West not to intervene with a tactical nuclear ‘firework display’. Dismissing this possibility is extremely dangerous. Putin may not keep his word when he promises to act morally, but his threats of violence are rarely hollow.
