Russia vows no Ukraine invasion as leaders seek solution

[Igel]

5. They don't need to.

They believe.

But Putin'll get what he wants.

1. Keep Ukraine open for later addition to the Rusosphere that he wants for various reasons.
2. Make the point that there is a sphere of influence. Neighboring peoples are Russia's; just as Chomsky speaks a dialect of English in which "himself" can function as a subject ("Himself entered the room&quot , so Putin, for now, is to be recognized as the "self" in "Other countries' self-determination."
The rest of the point is simple: Disobey and you'll be punished. And the West will talk and in exchange for others' rights not being trampled further, they'll allow the trampling that's already occurred to be ignored and even blessed.

The political solution is this: In exchange for the West being able to believe itself as the defender of freedom, the steps Russia has taken will be overlooked and a few additional steps will be allowed.

Having thoroughly punished Russia by letting it take territory, impose its will on Ukraine with not only Western acquiescence but complicity, gain oil/gas fields, cripple Ukraine, make a handsome profit, ensure a stronger and more potent Russian naval presence in the Black Sea and Mediterranean (meaning Indian Ocean and S. Atlantic), as well as making clear its threat to neighboring countries, we'll declare victory and pat ourselves on our backs.