I agree with allowing Putin to save face and for Russia not being punished long term with sanctions, but it must also be remembered that he is not to be trusted. I think a relaxing of many sanctions in return for him leaving Ukraine should be openly put out there. The Nazis used the reparations regime for great propaganda, we shouldn’t create same type of situation.
But, I think Putin is going to face a horrible defeat no matter what. He has beached a whale which might murder a lot of people before it finally sprays blood (like a harpooned whale) but it will be destroyed if it tries to conquer Ukraine. I don’t see how they possibly win.
The world is supplying the Ukrainian defense now. If Putin loses it will because of western assistance and he knows that.
Will he go nuclear after he clearly has nothing nothing more than a ruined hulk of an army?
Of course thats how I see events drifting, but the future is a locked door no one can see behind