So much has been written and circulated about the nuclear threat emerging from the war between Russia and Ukraine but I have not seen the use of the word ‘psychology’.

It seems to me that the World is facing a zealot (chosen by a friend to describe Putin: definition as one who is fanatical and uncompromising.) The point is that Putin wants Ukraine back in the Soviet mould.

The problem for the West is that there is no one single voice which speaks. There is no fanaticism. There are not always willing allies, each with different needs and priorities, with no fundamental interest in the Ukraine and certainly no equity.

And the World relies on the supply of oil and gas from Russia.

This may end up as a most unpleasant game where the winner may be dependent on Putin’s power of survival and his willingness to play the nuclear card.