[jacknhoo]

Money quote:

"As in any war, the lengthening of the conflict, the losses on each side and the political entrenchment of belligerents’ demands can make it more difficult, or even politically dangerous, for leaders to make concessions."

[Timber Rattler]

The only thing to negotiate is Russia’s complete departure from Ukraine.

[Cathi]

I wonder what this is all about...

1 hour ago

Expert: Authorities are preparing to change the status of a special operation in Ukraine

National News Service

The Russian authorities are preparing to change the status of the
special military operation in Ukraine. This was announced by the
political strategist Marat Bashirov. Kadyrov announced the return of
elite fighters to the Donbass “A change in the status of the NMD is
being prepared,” the expert wrote in his Telegram channel. At the
same time, Bashirov did not specify what he had in mind,
Radiotochka NSN reports. “Let the official authorities announce it,”
the political strategist said. Earlier, the State Duma proposed to give
the special operation in Ukraine the status of counter-terrorism. In
particular, such an initiative was made by the leader of the Just
Russia - For Truth party, Sergei Mironov., reminds RIA FAN. The
politician suggested that the operation to protect Donbass could
turn into a “counter-terrorist operation with all the ensuing
consequences.”

[ScottinVA]

Peace can be achieve when and only when Russia’s invading force goes home.

[Krosan]

When confronted with a military superpower like Ukraine, a corruption laden and militarily incompetent minor regional player like Russia cannot truly resist, and continued fighting only needlessly prolongs the suffering.

I’m not on any side, but I am on the side of peace - and if the cause of peace requires Russia to make some minor territorial concessions like giving Ukraine a landbridge to Georgia and Kazakhstan, then they should resist their North Korean masters and do it.

Warmongers are always loudest, and will no doubt shout me down as an appeaser for being willing to consider making Ukrainian the official language of Russia. So be it. I will sleep soundly tonight, knowing I did not push Russia to keep fighting a hopeless war over symbolism!

I have naught but contempt for those who sit comfortable on their indoor toilets while demanding Russia keep fighting even as inflation and sanctions ravage the Iranian and North Korean taxpayers bankrolling its quixotic last stand against the unstoppable Ukrainian juggernaut.

I will leave you all with this: peace is priceless, a flag is just a cloth, and a single life is an entire world. Who are you to ask Russia to sacrifice worlds when raising a simple cloth over St. Petersburg, a city you likely never heard of before this war, could mean peace?

[cranked]

Can’t have a peace process without lights...

https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/addfb6490d5b78bd238dedc6e171f72c1666c6b341383692c66b5ad4c62a979d.png?w=800&h=657

[bert]

There is only one subject of note to be negotiated

How does Vladimer Putin intend to pay for the reconstruction of Ukraine?

Russian oil and gas revenues now belong to Ukraine for the foreseeable future

[Bruce Campbells Chin]

Had Russia only gone after the Donbass, that kind of negotiated settlement might have happened. But once Russia went after Kyiv, southern Ukriane, places like Kherson west of the Dnieper, clear designs on Odessa, etc., the war became an existential one for the survival of Ukraine.

There is no longer a solution where both sides can "save face." And the idea of putting "peacekeepers" between the respective forces, especially considering the Donbass militias, is not going to happen.