Now, almost a year into the conflagration, Russia is on its heels, and by all accounts Putin’s gamble has been one calamity after another for his sclerotic regime. But the question that still remains is, how does it end? For some foreign policy experts, military brass, and Russia watchers, the only way to prevent similar incursions in the future Putin must be beaten outright and beaten badly. But others argue that the risks of cornering a madman vastly outweigh the benefits and offering Putin an off ramp is the best possible scenario to restore order, peace, and stability.

“Putin has had plenty of possible off ramps before and during this war. And he’s shown no interest in taking them.”

– JAMES GOLDGEIER

“Putin may deserve a dead end, but it’s not clear to me that that’s better for everybody else.”

-EMMA ASHFORD