MATT Clark’s views on Russia, Ukraine and our tinderbox world are over simplistic and fall into the hands of the neocons who make money from chaos and crisis (Moving closer to real conflict, The Press, July 31).

Russia hasn’t suggested war with the west, but it doesn’t tolerate separatism as illustrated by its conflicts in Chechnya and Georgia. This intolerance extends to belligerence from the US, EU and Nato near their borders.

Ukraine’s elected government was overthrown, the Russian-leaning east of the country reluctant to come into the fold of the new government.

Crimea is done and dusted, now part of Russia, billions being invested in a new bridge to develop Crimea’s economy.

Russia profits from selling gas to the EU and Nato is withdrawing Cold War combat units from Europe, which indicates they perceive little threat of an invasion from Russia.

Putin is reportedly worth at least $50 billion, enough to buy all of York, therefore he’s doing very well personally from peace with the West.

Chaos in the Middle East is down to the West, in particular George Dubya and Tony Blair meddling in others’ affairs. Libya is fragmenting thanks to Cameron and Sarkosy.

The biggest threat to peace is disastrous foreign policy, global poverty, inequality and disease.

Tom Scaife, Manor Drive, York.