The west must offer Vladimir Putin a way out, even if he doesn't deserve it, but his people do. A 3rd World War
would be terrible for all of humanity.
I can agree but what would that way out be? Is it one he would take. Is it one the west can afford to take.
I personally have vacillated about letting the pre war status of the breakaway regions and Crimea remain independent or part of Russia. Currently if it could secure a ending of hostilities and a hopefully permanent peace I would support it.
But 1 I don’t know if Ukraine would support it. And 2 I have my doubts Russia would respect it down the road.
I haven’t seen any hope at ending the conflict in anything remotely close to a semipermanent solution.
Ukraine and the west are at fault for calling for the return of all Ukrainian territory, they say. Maybe true, I’ll allow that.
But Russia reportedly issuing Russian passports to Ukrainians who live in Kiev Russia is just as inflammatory.
I seriously doubt there are more than a few Ukrainians who believe a partition peace will work. Do not forget their history with Russia it is long and has some very bloody chapters.
This is why I suppose I argue to stay the course as far as backing Ukraine and possibly becoming more involved.
Even if Russia and Putin were offered a way out do you honestly believe it would be enough to coax them to accept. Or prevent the future shedding of blood?
I haven’t seen anything from a Russian official that indicates anything but a ending of western military aid to Ukraine and the replacement of the government in Kiev with a Russian backed gov. As well as the only security guarantees available to Ukraine can only come from Russia.
Is that the carrot you are suggesting the west must offer?
Is that what the Ukrainian people deserve and what actions from Ukrainians do you see that indicate they are ready to make that concession.
This is my rational for engaging the conflict decisively and with a complete unified ability from nato and the EU to bring the fighting to an end.