Как прекрасны на горах ноги тех, кто несет радостную весть, возвещая мир, кто приносит добрые известия, возвещая спасение.

In English, the Russian title says: "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation,"

 A week ago I wrote the letter below to Mr Vladimir Putin, President of Russia.  To date, I have not received a written reply, although the actions reported in the press have formed a reply of sorts.  It is clear that Mr Putin has made the decision about what he wants to be remembered for.  

If you feel that you would like to add your thoughts on this subject, please write to Mr Putin at the address given below.

20^th February 2021

Владимир Владимирович Путин

President of Russia,

23, Ulitsa Ilyinka,

103132,

Moscow,

Russia.

Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin,

During the time when you were studying in Leningrad State University, I was privileged to visit the fine cities of Leningrad (now St Petersburg), Moscow and Kiev. During my stay I was very impressed by the way in which the people had repaired the damage done to their cities during the war with the Nazis. The warmth of the friendship that I experienced from citizens who remembered that we had been allies during these difficult times left a lasting impression me, and I would love to visit again to see how the cities have developed in the last 50 years. All the people I spoke to were extremely proud of their traditions and heritage. The architectural and artistic treasures of these cities are extremely precious to the people, and to the world. To think that these were almost lost by the barbarity of war is horrendous.

Due to the efforts of many people, Europe has enjoyed the advantage of the longest period of peace in recorded history since the second world war. During this time, there have been both economic and cultural benefits for people of all countries, knowing that these will not be destroyed by warfare.

Obviously, every country has the right to defend itself, and to deploy troops, and hold exercises within its own boundaries, and yours is no exception. At the moment, the world is anxious about the way in which troop movements have been reported in western Russia, and worried lest a misunderstanding, or a momentary carelessness on someone’s part, plunges the continent into a destructive war which noone wants, and from which noone will benefit.

This morning, our preacher at church referred us to a passage written by the prophet Isaiah over 2000 years ago: chapter 52, verse 7 “Как прекрасны на горах ноги тех, кто несет радостную весть, возвещая мир, кто приносит добрые известия, возвещая спасение”. As true now as it was then, peace is good news.

The internet tells me that the name Vladimir means “Great, Peaceful Ruler”, May I urge you to live up to your name, so that you can be remembered as one who brought and maintained peace. This is a much better legacy that the cause of destruction and economic ruin for which other leaders have been remembered.

Yours most sincerely,

Jonathan Youdan