Its a strategy rooted in reality. The West cannot take on the burden of stabilizing Ukraine alone. It needs to give Russia a stake in the country’s prosperity. Like it or not, geography matters here and Ukraine must get along with Russia. If it doesn’t, it faces a bleak future.
If Russia holds all the cards, as you say, what’s stopping Russia from not just taking a stake, but the entire pie?
You are clearly advocated “Realpolitik” here, and we can’t have any of that.
Why?
What if Ukraine were to choose to openly defy Russia, in whatever way it pleases? Why should mere "geography" be determinative?