[Bruce Campbells Chin]

The other thing I think is going on is different definitions of "the Crimea" and "the Donbass." My guess is that Russia defines those areas very broadly, including a land bridge between the two covering the entire Ukrainian coastline east of the Crimea proper. As well as all those parts of the Donbass provinces that weren't under separatist control prior to the invasion.

So the "deal" being offered by the Russians is even worse than it sounds.

[ought-six]

“So the “deal” being offered by the Russians is even worse than it sounds.”

Yup; it’s how Russia operates. Russia has historically been insecure and paranoid; and, like all bullies, it is full of bluster, and it expects its targets to succumb to such threats; when they don’t, the bully pounds its chest and roars and strikes, hoping for a quick knock-out. But it screams in indignation when the victim fights back, and then the bully cries “Foul!”