That used to be the Russian position. I think we’re at a point where autonomy/federalism is too little too late and the only outcome is Novorussian independence, attainable if Kiev’s forces can be expelled west of the Dnieper.
There is no reason for Moscow to settle less than for a client state in the east of Ukraine.
From Merkel’s article and Russia’s info, it appears that they’re on the same page.
You’re sure in a giddy mood today. Is it full statehood under Putin’s dominance or just partial statehood under the beloved Putin? One waits with bated breath to know the latest victories of the shirtless avenger of all that is pernicious and not Putin Orthodox Christian.