while leaving him an 'out' makes basic psyche sense, I think things are well beyond that and I'm not sure what 'a corner' is in this context. if what I'm reading about Putin's state of mind is anything to go by, he's already desperate to make his mark and seeing as he's already capable of unilateral war, I think all of the cards are already on the table.
it's more dangerous try and appease him at this stage, he'll just take it as a sign of weakness and press on with his game plan. I think we have to prepare to either make do with sanctions and accept the consequences of not stopping him, or stop him: presenting some kind of military opposition.

