It looks like you have got the wrong power at the moment. Nato's solid backing with the Ukraine doing OUR fighting for us against the expansionist Russia seems to be winning at the moment.

Rather like Russia's ill fated attempt to conquer Finland in the '30's they are being embarrassed in much the same manner. Untrained cannon fodder and crap equipment can only have given us as Nato the confidence to continue.

One day Russia may get away from its obsession with strong leaders and embrace a more democratic model in line with European values and link with the EU. We live in hope. Meantime though, if Ukraine do not completely expel the Bear including from Crimea, we will eventually be dragged in. Unless as you say a diplomatic case for a cease fire of sorts, possibly like the DMZ in Korea happens. If they get rid of Putin then who knows who will replace him.

The problem is that Russia at present is a kleptocracy run on a gangster model.