The world may be in a more insecure place than it has been since the Korean and Vietnam wars in the 1950s and 60s. I wasn’t in tune in those days but my sense is that no one really imagined that either war would spread beyond their geographical locations. The same cannot comfortably be said about Ukraine/Russia today if only because the geography is nearby Europe rather than in the Far East.

So why do I feel entitled to offer my opinions? Maybe in order to be shot down!? I am not Mark Antony praising Caesar or seeking to promote my site, though I’d gratefully welcome readers!

I believe that it is becoming too easy to underestimate Putin. His health may be suspect but it’s worth remembering how fit he is, including swimming in icy waters.

He is also single-minded. The history of the Soviet Union is firmly ingrained in his brain. He seems determined to reconstruct some of the ground. He is concerned about the security of Russia and appears to have the traditional xenophobia which has been so typical of the Russian mentality.

With these points in mind and the humility which would impact a lost war against Ukraine, it would be wrong to rule out his use of tactical nuclear weapons, especially in light of the additional support being given to Ukraine by the West.

I think we are some way from seeing peace in our time.