In Ukraine, the only “plan” on the table is for one side to achieve complete victory. That is not a good plan. Here is a better one in ten sequential steps that could get us to a new Golden Age:
- Implement an immediate cease fire with no further movement.
- Invite Russia to join NATO.
- Remove all Russian military forces from Ukraine.
- Recognize Crimea as part of Russia.
- Conduct UN supervised votes in eastern Ukraine to determine country affiliation.
- Remove all sanctions against Russia.
- Remove NATO missile systems from Poland.
- Release Alexi Navalny, Vladimir Kara-Murza and U.S. Journalist Evan Gershkovich.
- Split cost of re-building Ukraine between Russia and NATO.
- Begin space exploration and climate change programs with Russia, the EU and U.S.
Given the large Russian population in the Crimea and eastern Ukraine, some accommodation makes sense. Why not let the people decide? Russia has wanted to join NATO in the past. If they do join, there is no reason to keep NATO weapons in Poland. Russia and Europe both need to restore the gas trade. Part of the deal must include improved civil rights in Russia.