Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form . Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification. The balance of power will ultimately find its own equilibrium. The only solution for Ukraine is something along the Austrian model. Nato membership is not an option and long-term Russian occupation is not sustainable. At the moment what is missing is an independent EU voice with a distinctive German accent. Nato’s recent eastward expansion is not in line with European interests, which are focused on long-term regional security and economic collaboration with Russia. Ukraine will remain divided until a pragmatic leader emerges who can speak and act for all Ukrainians in the East and West. For the time being, the only viable solution is a much smaller and strictly neutral Ukraine endorsed by the Russians and the EU, and a conclusive halt to Nato’s eastward expansion. Economic sanctions cannot force the Russians to withdraw their soldiers from Ukraine. It requires creative diplomatic initiatives to guarantee not only Ukraine’s independence but also Russia’s security. Such initiatives have to come from EU states. Abrasive Nato expansion led by the United States is threatening European security and bringing back the spectre of the Cold War. Regional conflict is definitely a lose-lose for all parties involved. Now, the biggest losers are the Ukrainian people, who again have lost their lives and independence while the economy is in shambles. Khaw Wei Kang, Macau Global unity needed to defend Ukraine Humanity stands on the edge of darkness. Russian President Putin has placed his nuclear forces on high alert . He has also warned other countries not to interfere or face “consequences you have never seen”. When US President Biden and European leaders informed the world they wouldn’t directly intervene in Ukraine, Ukrainians knew they were on their own. If freedom mattered, men and women would have to selflessly lay down their lives and fight. With limited economic sanctions imposed on Russia, Putin had free rein to unleash a military firestorm. Geopolitical and national self-interests prevailed. Ukrainians are now sitting ducks; they’ll be displaced in their millions. Humanity faces the prospect of yet another world war with devastating consequences unless political leaders unite to uphold a rules-based world order, national sovereignty and human decency. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine highlights our inability to respect individual differences and resolve disputes peacefully. War has cost trillions financially, while hundreds of millions are casualties of war. Many more live with psychological trauma and displacement. Global superpowers can win wars by force, but they cannot maintain peace until they’ve won hearts and minds. History shows us that resistance fighters are an unrelenting force. ‘Seeds to a gunfight’: how sunflowers became a symbol of Ukrainian resistance At the Beijing Winter Olympics, the Olympic torch burned brightly inside a giant snowflake-shaped cauldron bearing the names of participating countries. At the majestic closing ceremony, fireworks spelt out a message in the night sky: “One world, one family”. It’s time we meant it. Bad things happen when good people do nothing. Michael Walton, New South Wales, Australia