The parameters of a potential deal over Ukraine are obvious; as with the Israeli/Palestinian situation, the issue is one of will, not imagination. The deal points would be as follows:
- Ukraine acknowledges Russia’s full sovereignty over Crimea;
- Russia acknowledges Ukraine’s full sovereignty over the bogus breakaway republics;
- Ukraine agrees never to join NATO, but makes no commitment regarding the EU;
- All of the signatories guarantee Ukrainian independence;
- Russia withdraws completely from Ukraine; and
- All sanctions against Russia are lifted after the withdrawal can be verified.
This is not a victory for anyone, but it would permit Putin to save some face with the Russian public. Will he take the deal? At this point, who knows?