I'm going to argue that Ukraine can win. Russian offensives eventually are unsustainable due to economic conditions. Ukraine goes on the offensive and pushes Russia out with 5 bloody years of offensive operations. While the world watches with fear of Russia resorting to using nukes.
that area has had a war every 80yrs (give or take) for the last 1000yrs - the only peace is when govt/leaders of both regions get along (not happening w putin or his successor imo) - i doubt either side can do enuf damage to make the other side quit/surrender - but the russians can quit
I am hoping that with its economy beginning to tumble, and eventually seeing Ukraine offensives, that the Russian elites will arrange for Putin's downfall and replacement. Then real peace talks can occur with realistic goals. Russia could be given face-saving ways to leave Ukraine.
i am hopeful that i live to see a ukraine not at war with russia, and tbh, canada has a lot in common w ukraine, since we border two superpowers (usa and russia (in the arctic))
After the fall of the Soviet Union, western nations stepped in and helped Russia rebuild and recover. A similar scenario could be offered in exchange for their leaving Ukraine. Give the Russian elites hope and profits and a return to some kind of normalcy, and they will take care of Putin.