Being suggested that Putin's aim is to split Ukraine with a North/South divide. or more like an East/West divide. As most of Eastern Ukraine speak Russia. And that this is what is behind the announcement that his forces will concentrate on the Dombas region. I suspect he could still pepper the rest of Ukraine with rocket attacks. Whilst trying to encroach further East along the Russian coast line on round to Odesa.
If this is his strategy along with offering peace talks or letting an intermediary, like Turkey do the bidding, it won't stop the sanctions, but It might prevent further sanctions.
The West knew Putin was never going to accept every last country bar none join NATO and the EU. This has been the main issue. Should the West have been more inclusive with Russia. With the EU widening their tentacles Russia was being isolated militarily through NATO and economically through the EU. Western strategist knew a showdown with Putin was coming. Putin wouldn't act with Trump in the WH because Putin couldn't be sure how Trump would react.
Putin doesn't hold all the cards, the mess his Army has made of the job has weakened his position. He must make it look like he has gained and defied the West and has reasserted Russia's might. But in truth it has exposed Russia's relatively weak military. NATO could easily overcome and defeat Russia on the conventional battlefield. Putin on the backfoot might be worse than when he thought he was winning.
