Russia Ukraine war, page-195675

I would agree with you that there is mission creep with respect to Ukraine territory following NATO rejection of the negotiated peace deal.

I think Russia negotiated for full implementation of Minsk agreement and Ukraine neutrality in the March 2022 negotiations. That would see Crimea remain part of Russia.

Russia are gobbling up territory in dubious referendums. I think the use of long range NATO weapons may also push Russia to establish a significant buffer zone from the annexed territories of perhaps 150km. The war continuing risks further escalation including direct NATO confrontation. Ideally the war should end as soon as possible and return to negotiations for a settlement in the best interest of the people of the region to get on with their lives and rebuilding.