EDITOR -  It is depressing to see since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine over its eastern border on 24 February 2022 - that the war is still going on in its 5th year in 2026.

Ukraine fighting hard to ensure Russia does not invade further into their country.

There were hopes for peace around the time of the death of Pope Francis last year - that the US could persuade Russia to end the war.

We saw US President Trump and the President of Ukraine sitting on 2 wooden chairs in a quiet foyer in the Vatican having a real conversation with Trump listening intently.

The US has shipped the most missiles to Ukraine since the war began.

It is May 2026. An estimated 1.4m Russian military casualties (dead, wounded, missing in action, captured) from 2022 to Feb. 2026. An estimated 1.5m casualties in Ukraine’s army to Feb. 2026.

One of Russia’s demands is for Ukraine to vastly reduce their peacetime army after the war is over - which Ukraine can’t, understandably, agree to do.

The bottom line for Russia seems to be they don’t want Ukraine bordering its country with a 1,974km land border to join NATO.

Ukraine’s land and sea border is 2295km. Ukraine has not officially given up on joining NATO.

It has indicated it may agree to being a neutral country with security guarantees to ensure no future invasions. It is a catastrophic war for Ukraine and Russia. The more money that goes into it, the more it goes on.

The Presidential election in Ukraine has been postponed because of the war. Would a different President of Ukraine (democratically elected) with a fresh approach, help peace negotiations to succeed?

Does it need a change in leadership in Russia for the war to end? There is no sign of President Putin retiring. I think the war is nihilism at its worst - with logic, reason and humanity cast aside or ignored.

Mary Sullivan,

Cork.

Ukraine fighting hard to ensure Russia does not invade any further.

What is the problem with Long Strand?

EDITOR – I am writing about Long Strand near Rosscarbery. I love this place. It’s wild in the winter, spectacular in the summer and no better place in all of West Cork to walk off the stresses of the world.

However, I am befuddled by the lack of toilets at such a busy, popular place. The sheer joy of a long walk in the freshest West Cork sea air can be negated very quickly by the lack of somewhere to ‘go’.

Of course, there are toilets in the wonderful restaurant/café on the west end of the beach, but these are, understandably, for customers only. There is an old toilet block located a little further along, but it’s entirely closed up.

Straight away I hear cries of ‘just go in the long grass’ or ‘find a bush’ but there are obvious principles of basic common decency, modesty and hygiene at stake. Legalities too.

Is there a reason why Long Strand has been neglected for so long in this regard? There are, for example, toilets at the nearby Warren and further west at the much smaller Tragumna. Another favourite walking spot of mine, Gougane Barra, has not one, but two facilities. So, it can’t just be problems of public order or maintenance surely? What is the problem with Long Strand?

Neil O’Mahony,

Carrigaline.

Fastnet Film Festival showcases talent

EDITOR - I have read your coverage leading up to the Schull Fastnet Film Festival with great pleasure. The festival reminds us that world-class storytelling and filmmaking does not just belong to big cities but also thrives elsewhere. You are lucky to live in one of the most scenic parts of Ireland, which I’ve admired as a backdrop in many films over the years. It rivals any international location.

Not just because of its natural beauty, but more than anything because of its people. Many are screen writers, actors, directors, set designers and volunteers who make the region such a wonderful creative place.

In my younger days, I worked as a location scout in the film industry and I’m in awe how the industry has developed over the past 20 years. The Fastnet Film Festival has followed and highlighted this development. It not only showcases emerging talent but also nurtures it, offering workshops and inspiration to the next generation of filmmakers. In doing so, it strengthens Ireland’s film industry from the ground up.

At a time when creative industries are more important than ever, County Cork, and West Cork especially, stand as examples of what can be achieved.

John O’Reilly,

Clonakilty.