Letter: So much loose talk from military experts on Ukraine war

SIR – Tell me I am dreaming, but what I see on the TV about the war in Ukraine is almost like watching a video game but in real life.

Every day and on all news channels, we are fed some pretty horrific stories about the tragic episodes befalling the Ukranians. I have no objection to being given the news, but whose side are we on?

Every day the media trot out retired generals, strategists and all manner of so-called military experts giving away huge amounts of information to the public that they really should not hear about.

When I was in the military many years ago, there were posters all around the mess and in the billets: "loose talk costs lives". It is as true today as it always was.

Why are the media telling us about the strength of our armed forces? Why are they giving us military options? Why are they telling us how many "assets" are being moved either to the borders of Ukraine or into Ukraine itself? The list goes on.

The reply I hear voiced is: "Well, the Russians will have that info anyway." Really? Have they told you that?

I have visions of Putin sitting at his monitor, pen and paper in hand, smiling to himself and probably saying: "Oh, that is a good un', I had not thought of that" etc. I'm sure you get my drift.

This is, in my view, the sort of loose-lipped chatter that could extend the war, not shorten it.

You never give anything away that could give the enemy even the slightest advantage, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

John Walsh,
Address supplied