Caught between the fierce Ukrainian army and crippling sanctions, Putin winds down the war.

[panader0]

News media are reporting a significant shift in the horrible conflict in Ukraine, a "drastic" change in
policies by Putin. The surprising strength of the Ukrainian resistance and the poor morale and
equipment of the Russian army have apparently led Putin to realize his mistake. The sanctions
caused an uproar at home in Russia, not from just the common people, but from Putin's rich
cronies. I have nothing but praise for Joe Biden and his leadership in forming the Western coalition.
But it's not over yet. Even if all Russian forces withdraw completely, there is the question of
reparations and also war crimes. But there is a shift and it's good news.

[uponit7771]

1. K&R, It could be a regroup or move to the east

[panader0]

4. Would ceding Donbas satisfy Putin?

Of course no part of Ukraine should be ceded to Russia, but in reality, Donbas wants to be part
of Russia I believe. There has been a conflict there for years and the region is more ethnically
Russian than the rest of Ukraine. I suspect that if Zelenskyy wants to keep Donbas and perhaps
Crimea, that the conflict could go on indefinitly. But the money needed by Ukraine for reparations
will be a gigantic amount. The sanctions should stay in place until Ukraine is rebuilt.
But no land bridge from Donbas to Crimea, no way.

[uponit7771]

5. No, there is no one going to trust Putrid there's NO WAY the Ukr is going to trust ANYTHING he ...

... says about anything.

Zel has already said giving up JFO would have to go through referendum and there's NO WAY Ukr people are voting for that.

RA will have to be totally defeated and Putrid deserves that

[Bernardo de La Paz]

6. Donbas USED to want Russia. Now far from clear. Many Ukr. who speak Russian are Ukr first. . nt

[Lovie777]

2. And Russia is still bombing and killing Ukrainian citizens . ...

kidnaping and not allowing essential humanitarian relief, and now claiming the old news about liberating Donbas.

[blueinredohio]

3. I heard on the news zelinsky wants talks with Russia

Will agree not to join NATO but wants reassurance from the west. Imo I don't think that's the way it works.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

7. Wants NATO-like guarantees, with some NATO countries on the line for it. . . . nt