I know this isn’t a realistic option but could they not just cut a deal with Russia? Would that not make more sense??
It’s still the same trade, over resources- except take weapons out of the equation and less people die.
Discussion
Not sure why but my gut says that making an armed conflict and it draw out- seems par for making it palatable for leaders to say: "atleast we tried" before coming to the table.
Pride? Greed? I am not sure to be frank.
Also there might have been hands forcing them in this directions to make money from it all, as usual.
Yup I think you nailed it all around but specifically on the last part.