It’s hard to believe, but back in 1991 -- when Ukraine seceded from the Soviet Union, helping relegate it to the dust bin of history – Ukraine was the third-largest nuclear power in the world. Its armory included 1900 strategic warheads. But for many second-guessable reasons, Ukraine surrendered its nuclear arsenal to Russia in exchange for security assurances.
Your off-ramp scenario suggests a positive outcome but seems counter to the sense of negativity that surrounds Putin and everything he says and does. I certainly hope that China could persuade Putin to accept such a negotiation. I become more and more apprehensive everyday. (BTW, I think you meant "when Ukraine seceded from the Soviet Union . . . .")
Your off-ramp scenario suggests a positive outcome but seems counter to the sense of negativity that surrounds Putin and everything he says and does. I certainly hope that China could persuade Putin to accept such a negotiation. I become more and more apprehensive everyday. (BTW, I think you meant "when Ukraine seceded from the Soviet Union . . . .")