You can answer yes to anything, but the terms and conditions can be so onerous that the answer is in reality a no. Such is Vladimir Putin’s conditions on a ceasefire with Ukraine. Putin sees himself in the driving seat, with the United States being lukewarm as to further support for Ukraine. The British prime minister Keir Starmer is to be congratulated for his clear assessment of the situation. He knows that only a weakened Russia will allow for a deal that is just and lasting. Down through history there have been so many grubby deals where the bullies were allowed to have their way. If Europe doesn’t stand firm in its resolve to face down Putin then the message will go out that might is right, storing up the potential for further illegal invasions of countries in the future. The appeasement of Hitler during the 1930s led him to the belief that he was invincible. The only way to deal with tyrants and despots is superior force. Joseph Kiely, Letterkenny, Co Donegal Ireland took the gun out of politics twice, it’s a great example to the world Retired Irish Army officer Edward Horgan has penned many sincere letters on the horrors of war. His recent (‘Perhaps countries should be less “willing” to inflict war upon other nations’ – Irish Independent, March 17), illustrates the importance of peace. The disgraceful and illegal occupation of Iraq served only one purpose: to make wealthy people wealthier. The downright manipulative lying was clear before the first soldier set foot in Iraq. Mr Horgan has witnessed innumerable horrors during his time with UN Peacekeepers. Any person who has seen first hand the results of mass murder and seriously injured men, women and children will ask themselves: “How could a human being do this to a fellow human being?” Brainwashing, propaganda and lack of (self) education play roles in this. The history of the 1914-18 and 1939-45 wars should be part of education, along with the role of the international organisations set up post-1945 in attempts to ensure a peaceful world. Neutral Ireland can play a role in the 21st century by creating a museum of peace, showing the futility of violence that all wars cause. Ireland has not one, but two examples of how the gun was taken out of politics: the aftermath of the Civil War; and the 1998 Peace Agreement of Northern Ireland. UK home secretary Jim Callaghan’s words in 1969, replying to Gerry Fitt’s request for soldiers, is as important today as it was then: “It is easy to put troops in, but how do I get them out?” For 65 years Irishmen and women have given great service to peacekeeping in troubled nations. Is this not testament to the importance of Irish neutrality in the world today? Declan Foley, Melbourne, Australia Donald Trump has shown that there is no integrity to the promises he makes My mother always urged us children to uphold integrity in our actions. And as in most instances, I must admit that she was right. To her, integrity meant keeping your word – doing what you promised, when you promised and in the manner you promised. By this standard, Donald Trump’s track record, at best, appears to be inconsistent. His supporters argue that he fulfilled his promises regarding tax cuts, judicial appointments and “America First” policies. However, true integrity is not about selective follow-through. Trump’s shifting positions on various issues, from Nato to healthcare, suggest that his commitments are often influenced by convenience rather than conviction. His stance on tariffs exemplifies this perfectly. He once championed them as a cornerstone of his economic vision, later declared them “the greatest”, and even hinted at removing them under specific conditions – only to now propose sweeping new ones. Integrity builds trust. When a leader treats promises as negotiable, it is fair to question whether he stands by his word or merely says whatever suits the moment. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh Loneliness is a crippling thing to live with, so let’s do all we can to eradicate it I would like to highlight the profound societal problem of loneliness. In 2025 we should put the tackling of this ill at the top of our action list. Access is key, whether that be reaching the older people who have not gone near the internet, or moving beyond free bus passes to design ways for people to get around more easily. Above all, people want to contribute whatever their age, through work, community or family. John O’Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary We fell short of greatness – the players now need to prove they have the mettle The failure of the Irish rugby team to make history, and close the deal by winning three Six Nations championships in a row, was a massive disappointment for the players and the country. There was a serious dip in form compared to last year. I would say only half a dozen of the players picked maintained the same standards of performance as last year. Caelan Doris, Dan Sheehan, Hugo Keenan, Jamison Gibson-Park, James Lowe, and the massively promising Sam Prendergast, carried an undue burden for the season. Jack Conan was a power-house off the bench, but really too many players were lacking in physicality and intensity when we needed them. They will know this as will the management. What I am wondering is what is to be done about it? Do these high-performance professional athletes need to be helped to restore their missing mojo, is it something they can take responsibility for, and sort out themselves? Simon Easterby did a good job in stepping into the breach, but the question remains – could we really afford to spare Andy Farrell for the Lions tour? He’s earned his place as the outstanding coach in these islands over the decade, so you could hardly deny him. It is too easy to point a finger at a coach when we fail. Players need to take responsibility. If they know they could be better, then it is up to them so prove it. This is not to blame, but to learn. M O’Brien, Dalkey, Co Dublin