SIR - Further to Mr Hindle’s letter (T&A, September 10) it is certainly true that the US and EU have shown blatant hypocrisy when supporting the overthrow of an elected government in Ukraine.

However, as in earlier demonstrations in 2004, mass protests against the Russian-leaning government were genuine expressions of dissatisfaction.

To what extent outside assistance contributed to the overthrow of the elected government remains unclear.

Unfortunately, the overthrow of any government is de-stabilising and from the ensuing chaos, marginalised extreme groups such as the “right sector” and “freedom party” have gained disproportionate influence in Ukraine’s new government.

Mr Hindle states that a democratic vote was taken in east Ukraine to cede from Kiev, when actually a turned referendum was taken in the Crimea whether to become part of the Russian Federation.

The extent of Russia’s involvement in assisting rebels in east Ukraine remains unclear.

Alec Suchi, Allerton Road, Allerton