From the start what has puzzled me was - did the whole of Ukraine want those Eastern Areas to remain Ukrainian? Or did many prefer to be independent or Russian? If very few did, the eight years of war there - "Separatists vs Patriots" - not really happen? And if there are many - might they not be the majority? I likened it to Scotland where many wanted to leave the UK (after stupid Brexit, who could blame them?). If Putin declares on 9th May a "great victory" for Russia with Donetsk and the South becoming independent or Russian (as Crimea is - like it or not), the war stops.

Perhaps. I think what is missing is knowledge of Putin's end game. Why has he done this, and why now? And we just don't know. It changes every possible outcome.