I wrote an article about this a while back. Sure, no one wants to reward Russia for invading Ukraine. BUT... Russia has NUCLEAR WEAPONS.

A nuclear war could KILL BILLIONS.

Is it worth not giving Putin a few areas in the Donbass???

Unlike Hitler, Putin has not shown a desire to eat up the whole of Europe. The reason he invaded Ukraine, I think, is that there was a treaty in place that Ukraine would not join NATO. This is because Russia does not want the enemy on its border.

Also, back in 2015, I believe, the majority Russian ethnic regions of Ukraine voted to join Russia. However, at that time Putin did not try to negotiate for this.

Now? A negotiated settlement that would insist Russia withdraw from the region in return for the majority Russian areas being allowed to join Russia IF that is actually voted for in a free and fair election... and we can have UN monitors to make sure the election is reasonably free and fair...

The current strategy of sanctions is going to lead to a cold, dark winter for much of Europe. Russia will not suffer nearly as much as Germany, France, etc. Ukraine is looking more and more like Iraq. Is the suffering worth it?