Sir, – Vladimir Putin has made remarks on several occasions to the effect that local populations in Ukraine should be allowed to hold a referendum to determine their political future.
He has not, however, made any such offer to people within the Russian Federation. The federation is comprised of 85 federal constituent units ; 22 of these units are referred to as “republics”.
According the the federation’s own 2010 census 10 of the 22 republics have majority non-ethnic Russian populations. One other republic has a non-ethnic Russian plurality of 49.9 per cent.
If Mr Putin would have the people of Ukraine decide on greater local autonomy or possible affiliation with a neighbouring country, should he not first provide such an opportunity to the non-Russian people of the federation? Yours, etc,
DAN DONOVAN,
Shandon Street,
Dungarvan