It appears the article had merit as this is now the key to ending the war presented in all media. It's an interesting situation. On one hand Moscow has shown willingness to inflict far greater damage and death to achieve its goals. On the other, Ukraine has shown the capacity to challenge Putin's army and every day it stands up to Putin makes it stronger, with help from tens of thousands of foreign volunteers and massive and sophisticated multinational military gear now in Ukranian hands. Putin wants Crimea back and has a valid demand. It was a strategic Soviet navy base and remained in Russian control until Ukraine flipped democratic. What Putin isn't saying is that he wants not only Crimea but also must have the coastal access from Russia to Crimea. An agreement could see Crimea return to Russia and Russia given access by land for an annual price that could make Ukraine reconsider its opposition to losing Crimea. As for the rebel regions, let's be clear. These are Russian enclaves that refused the liberal coup in Kiev. They have as much right to challenge the coup as the democratic forces had in overthrowing the regime. There is no point forcing them to rejoin Ukraine; they will ask to join when 10 years from now they come to see their mistake when Ukraine prospers and they are forgotten by Moscow. Agreements on these two points would end the bloodshed. Ukraine should require that Russia pay billions in reparations for this war, paid in cash, oil and gas and Putin would also pay annually for access to Crimea by land. In exchange, Ukraine could agree to Putin's demands and allow him to end this war with his head up. This is making tough demands from both parties. The alternative is far, far worse.