CONCRETE ACTION

Re “Putin props up China’s proposal for peace in Ukraine during state visit, despite lack of details” (March 22): The best prospect I see for ending the war in Ukraine lies not in China’s vague peace plan, but rather the rising tide of Western weapons flowing into Ukraine and its long-anticipated counteroffensive. While total liberation of Russian-occupied territory is the ultimate aim, partial success – achieved with a prospect of eventual victory – should be enough to ensure the continued flow of military aid.

For Russia, defeat would almost certainly lead to regime change and, with it, the best chance since the collapse of the Soviet Union to implement the political, social and economic reforms needed to lift the county into the league of leading democracies.

Not only would this provide a basis for a durable peace but, with any luck, China may also follow suit.

Patrick Bendin Ottawa