There is actually a much simpler reason - that a few posters...

There is actually a much simpler reason - that a few posters here alluded to right at the start.

In summary, Ukr is absolutely and irrevocably incapable of fighting Russia on its own. Right at the start it should have asked us to put boots on the ground. We, of course, would have refused. At that point Zels should have shaken Putin's hand and come to a peaceful resolution. This would have ensured no loss of land but with limited autonomy for the East and no NATO.