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- ‘You Will Be Missed, Jane Brody’: Fan Letters to a Health Columnist
- The Overlooked Translator of Ferrante’s ‘Lost Daughter’
- Truckers’ Tribute
To the Editor
Re “Putin Orders Forces Into Eastern Ukraine” (front page, Feb. 22):
Vladimir Putin relies on the simplest of justifications to send troops in separatist-held eastern Ukraine and to recognize the autonomy of those regions.
It is not an invasion, but it is the beginning of the end in Ukraine. NATO did little after Mr. Putin took Crimea in 2014. He doesn’t care about sanctions because he won’t be hurt. The Russian people will accept the sanctions, but he will also offer them the promise to end the West’s wrath. He knows NATO does not want war and America is being hindered by the isolationists who have become tired from the wars of Afghanistan and Iraq.
I believe that Putin will continue to pound away at Ukraine until there’s nothing left. Then he will install a puppet administration. It is a different day than the 1938 dismemberment Czechoslovakia. The question is now: Which country or countries are next? Because Mr. Putin will not stop until an armied response is given to him.
George Magakis Jr.
Norristown, Pa.
To the Editor
I wonder how Ukraine will look after a Russian invasion. There will be an occupying force and an insurgency, and a financially ruined country that must be governed and its citizens fed. How can anyone, Russia included profit from this?
Lawrence Weisman
Westport, Conn.
To the Editor
Vladimir Putin is very aware of who he is dealing. He is capable of handling the sanctions that have been imposed. The only sanction that would have any effect is to remove Russia from global financial system. Anything less would have very little effect.
Paul Schoenbaum
Richmond, Va.
To the Editor
If President Vladimir Putin’s aggression in Ukraine continues, we will see a grave humanitarian crisis — one that could fast grow into one of the worst in the world.
Because of the fighting with Russian rebels since 2014, nearly three million civilians are in need of humanitarian aid in eastern Ukraine. There will be more displacement and hunger if Mr. Putin launches an invasion large-scale.
Refugees could flee to neighboring nations and require immediate shelter and food. If the war escalates, children in Ukraine will be the most affected. If there is a shortage of food, infants could be at risk.
The Russian people would also be affected by a war in Ukraine, as they will have to pay the military costs. Every ruble going to Mr. Putin’s wars takes away from their society’s needs. Russians should demand that Putin seek peace over war.
William Lambers
Cincinnati
The writer partnered with the U.N. World Food Program on the book “Ending World Hunger.”
To the Editor
Re “As Russia Mulls Options, Ukraine’s Economy Reels” (news article, Feb. 19):
The expanding economic toll of Ukraine’s crisis is more insidious than reported, increasing the suffering of the neediest every day. Already adversely affected by Ukraine’s snarled Covid economy, they’ve been worse off since tensions began simmering on the borders last year.
Imagine the pain of inflation for the poorest pensioner on $2.40 per Day, when utility prices go up by 20-30 percent and food items like sugar and sunflower oil go up by 57-61 percent. They’re left with a painful choice between food, medicine or heating during the harsh winter.
This is what we see among the elderly Jewish families that we serve in over 1,000 locations across Ukraine. They, like millions of their poor neighbours, are experiencing a quiet crisis that is being played out between the headlines about diplomacy or escalation.
The struggle for survival is not over, no matter what happens in these hours or days.
Ariel Zwang
New York
The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee’s chief executive is the writer.
‘You Will Be Missed, Jane Brody’: Fan Letters to a Health Columnist
Credit… Lilli Carré
To the Editor
Re “Farewell, Readers. It’s Been a Notable Ride,” by Jane E. Brody (Personal Health column, Feb. 22):
I was fortunate to be able to see Ms. Brody personally at a corporate event in which diversions for spouses had been set up.
