Russia’s war on Ukraine

Russia invaded an independent sovereign state

A chara, – In a letter (Edward Horgan, “Undermining Irish neutrality”, December 4th), it is suggested that Ukraine is engaged in a war with Russia and therefore is “a belligerent” in this war.

A belligerent is properly defined not as a participant in a military conflict but a hostile and aggressive party.

If the United Kingdom invades Ireland tomorrow would that make Ireland a belligerent? Let’s make it absolutely clear. Russia invaded an independent sovereign state. Russia is the sole belligerent. – Yours, etc,

DAVID McCARTER,

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Hillsborough,

Co Down.