I don't know what to tell you other than that I completely disagree with you on all of these matters.

First, I believe that Ukraine is losing. The Russian army has been a little clunky coming out of the gate but they'll get the job done in the end. The have encircled some cities and some Ukrainian army units. I could be wrong--the fog of war is always present. But in war, place your bets on the stronger army.

Second, illegality isn't a factor here. Of course it illegal in the eyes of many nations for Russia to invade. But worrying about questions of illegality and morality in international matters gets us into trouble. The true calculus is in the reality on the ground. Nations don't have rights like people, and the law of the jungle is the only true international law. You can talk about law all you want, but that Russian army doesn't care about law. They say it's legal in Russia.

This thing about international law is not something I just made up. Any student of history and any competent diplomat understands that in the end it is might that makes right and nothing else. Good diplomacy recognizes this and seeks to make sure we settle our differences with talk and deals instead of bullets.

Of course the Russians can be talked to. They're negotiating right now. Trust is another matter, but a successful deal which results in the withdrawal of the Russian army is enough. We make preparations for a possible round two and worry about trust later.