THIS is with reference to the report `Ukraine says Russia struck it with `new` missile; claims of ICBM launch disputed` (Nov 21). As a physicist, who has done research in nuclear physics, including research at Los Alamos National Laboratory in the United States, I am deeply concerned about the provocation of Russia by American and British governments.

The pace and intensity of such provocations are escalating as the US moves closer to have Donald Trump back in the White House.

Sadly, 99 per cent of humans do not understand how destructive nuclear weapons really are in the short and long terms. One good number to estimate the destructive scale of a nuclear bomb is that it is one million times stronger than a conventional bomb.

Moreover, the energy released in fission reactions is measured in million electron volts (MeVs) compared to the energy released in chemical reactions which is measured in eVs.

It is always easier to destroy than to create. As a physicist, who loves humanity and looks forward to a liveable future for the children, I beseech the American and British governments not to push the planet towards a possible World War III.

Russia, mind you, has more nuclear weapons than any other country on the Earth. No one will win. The whole humanity will end up being on the losing side. As Albert Einstein said, `WW IV will be fought with sticks and stones.

It is time to end the tragic war in Ukraine, which has gone on far too long.

Adding more fuel to the fire will only result in a prolonged conflict, more deaths and very real possibility of a global conflict.

We must support a peaceful resolution of this tragic conflict with Russia instead of upping the ante in a high stakes game of poker that may result in the destruction of much of the world.

Michael Pravica Henderson, Nevada, USA