Putin is like the little kid who decided to rob the Cookie Jar on top of the cabinets. He has climbed up and now is stuck on the counter and can’t climb down. Mommmmy, HELP! Of course I’ll help son, but first put those cookies back in the jar, you are getting crumbs all over everything.
Here is a starting proposal I submitted at another forum:
As a first condition of peace talks, there should be a cease fire and withdrawal of all Russian and Russian supporting mercenary troops. This should be supervised by an approved international body, such as United Nations peacekeepers. As the Russian leave Ukraine, including Crimea, they should pass through inspection to determine they are not leaving with stolen Washing Machines, Toilets, Refrigerators, Tractors and other Farm Equipment, etc. Also it should be determined that no Fire Engines, Ambulances, Trucks, etc. belonging to Ukraine municipalities and businesses are being removed. Finally, and most important Russia should not be removing any children, adults or Ukraine prisoners. All such who say they want to leave should be separated from their potential Russian captors and then be permitted to file separately for request to leave Ukraine for Russia or another country. These people should be housed safely and securely while these determinations and destinations are being arranged.
This proposal, rendering security for both sides, leaving each on the original territory of the two countries in 2014 must be a precondition for beginning discussion of the many other items for peace that must be negotiated.
[A cogent point raised by another comment at this post was the probable and understandable desire of Ukranians to lash back at Russia with punishment for all they have suffered this year. A far greater wrong that Ukrainians have not forgotten is Stalin’s Moldomodor, massive famine, inflicted on Ukraine decades ago which killed around 3,000,000 Ukranians by mass starvation. This is part of what motivates the incredible williness of Ukranians to persevere in this almost hopeless fight.]
Correction in comment #59, Holodomor, mass starvation of Ukranians.
https://www.britannica.com/event/Holodomor
This article lists Ukranian deaths as close to 4 million. Stalin’s efforts to hide this genocide were so severe, he even had census takers murdered.
excellent
May it be so!