Comment by mhuffman

>Russia pulled out of northern regions back in March and now occupies the east and south. TBH I'm not sure how seriously I should take your opinion in light of such a basic mistake.

Then let me restate it, any land touching or close to Russia. I think that is what he wants. A DMZ type areas on Russian borders and no NATO bases anywhere close to Russia (ie. nowhere in Ukraine). I think you and I are talking past each other with using North and East. Really, NorthEast would be more appropriate for the areas I am talking about and of course the South.

>He might get what he's publicly asking for, but he's not getting what he actually wants. If he's willing to credibly threaten nuke use, I'd rather expect he will insist on having what he in fact wants (some sort of further slicing up of Ukraine).

Well, he's not going to get that I think. But he can likely negotiate parts of Ukraine into DMZ type areas that are effectively controlled/not-controlled by both Russia and Ukraine. Like maybe technically part of Ukraine, but needs Russian approval for certain things.

I believe this is the most he can get, and eventually if he is willing Ukraine will be forced to accept it.

So, my bet, a buffer on the borders and some sunsetted period where Ukraine cannot joing NATO (and possible EU).