The government is searching for measures to use against Russia (Putin and Obama's war of words, 5 March). How about this one: reverse the pusillanimous failure to follow the recommendations of a coroner and hold a public inquiry into the death of Alexander Litvinenko (Coroner 'cannot cite Russia' in Litvinenko case, 20 December 2013). This would have the added attractions of providing a measure of justice for Litvinenko's widow and ensuring, albeit belatedly, that the dead man's human rights were acknowledged.
*Stephen Bailey*
Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
• What matters is not the posturing of Putin or Obama or the lesser lights of Hague and Merkel, but the welfare of the peoples of the Ukraine. What is needed is co-operation not confrontation in the establishment of a constitution that safeguards the different groups, preventing any one group dominating others and affording each a degree of autonomy.
*Brian Crews*
Beckenham, Kent
• The situation in Ukraine is completely different to Georgia (What next?, 3 March). As a Russian turned British, I have no love for Putin, but I believe I understand his motives. Putin fears that Russians living in Ukraine will be severely maltreated and he is determined to stop that. If the new Ukraine government respects humanitarian principles he will leave it in peace. If it turns into a bunch of thugs, he will make life very difficult.
The misunderstanding of Putin in the west only makes it more likely that someone will do something stupid.
*Lena Mas*
London
• Britain is wittering above its weight again because the Ukrainians have lost a piece of real estate they shouldn't have had in the first place. Time to strike a deal. How about Russia pays $12bn for the Crimea? Ukraine could use the money. And we could all do with our leaders calming down and accepting reality. Or are we going to send all these Russian kids home from our private schools?
*Eric Clyne*
Arbroath, Angus
• Fifty years ago when there was a stand-off between Russia and the west, the threat was nuclear annihilation. Today it is their expulsion from the World Cup. I presume this is progress.
*Richard Partridge*
Lewes, East Sussex
• Given the Nato sabre-rattling over Ukraine, one wonders if this historically excellent organisation has not lost its way. I am now too old to be listed on the British Army reserve of officers, but I certainly would not wish to be mobilised to fight the Russians on the Crimea. It did not work all that well the last time.
*Godfrey Bloom MEP*
Independent, Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire
• Given Susan Bailey's strictures against the Guardian's continued use of the Russian spelling for the Ukrainian capital (Letters, 5 March). Will she now demand immediate action by Marks & Spencer with regard to the chicken section of their chilled cabinets?
*Richard Lewis*
Middlesbrough
Reported by guardian.co.uk 26 minutes ago.