The outcome is almost exactly the same as what happened during the Yugoslavia civil wars of the 1990s , when the U.S. surreptitiously supplied the Croats and Bosnian Muslims in the Balkans with weapons to defeat the Serbs . Despite a deal struck over Ukraine , the chances of a durable settlement remain slim , says Jonathan Eyal . The Ukrainian government has agreed to hold talks with Russia on its future in exchange for economic aid. Putin 's aim may be to destroy the nation , and condemn remaining western rump to status of failed state . Longer conflict goes on , less chances anyone has in controlling its protagonists , Eyal writes .
Despite a deal struck over Ukraine , the chances of a durable settlement remain slim , says Jonathan Eyal . The Ukrainian government has agreed to hold talks with Russia on its future in exchange for economic aid. Putin 's aim may be to destroy the nation , and condemn remaining western rump to status of failed state . Longer conflict goes on , less chances anyone has in controlling its protagonists , Eyal writes .