Link?

If it happens, some kind of agreement in which Putin wins and NATO doesn't lose too much makes sense..
Putin has the clear diplomatic advantage because he is one man and he can simply state his demands etc.
I would hope we're smart enough not to wage war with Russia. Does make me think about how fragile the peace is at this point though.

Letting Ukraine join just makes us even more predictable so it's probably a bad idea.

Potentionally, the EU has a lot more power, if you dont count in the nukes (i dont think Russia thinks using them is an option ). The only question is, do they want to use it.

Putin is betting his career on the option Europe dont want to do it. (reasonably safe guess i think)

Answer to the question asked, i dont think Nato will admit Ukraine while the conflict isnt resolved yet.

My understanding is that NATO already had an agreement with the Ukraine (Partnership for Peace or something) in which the Ukraine agreed to give up its nuclear weapons for territorial sovereignty.

In 1994 Ukraine, Russia, UK, and US agreed to the "Budapest Memorandums" in which Ukraine would give all of its nuclear weapons to Russia in exchange Russia agreed to respect Ukraine's borders, to not threaten Ukraine's independence, amongst other things. We now see what that piece of paper was worth.

As for NATO, in 2008 Pres. Bush stated that Ukraine and Georgia should be put on a path to membership in NATO, but most European nations were resistant (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/03/world/europe/03nato.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0). Given that Russia invaded Georgia shortly there after (if memory serves) and is directly or indirectly involved in Ukraine, you will see neither of those countries in NATO anytime in the future.

Unfortunately it appears that the Europeans have not learned from their own past (think Neville Chamberlain) and the US seems to be almost as paralyzed, you will see Russia become more openly involved. Especially given Pres. Putins recent comment reminding everyone that Russia is a nuclear power (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/vladimir-putin/11064209/Vladimir-Putin-Dont-mess-with-nuclear-armed-Russia.html)

Don't worry, Jamie. Russia has made it clear that the Russian soldiers fighting the Ukrainian illegitimate government forces are not officially Russian soldiers, so they may be shot without it being an act of war.

NATO won't admit Ukraine while the conflict is ongoing. Is the threat of NATO admitting Ukraine that Ukraine hopes will force Russia to back off.

Russia has done irreparable damage to its reputation because of this conflict. I don't think anyone will take a Russian treaty seriously after seeing how they ripped up the Budapest agreement.

W. German foreign minister:

On Feb. 10, 1990, between 4 and 6:30 p.m., Genscher spoke with Soviet Foreign Minister Eduard Shevardnadze. According to the German record of the conversation, which was only recently declassified, Genscher said: "We are aware that NATO membership for a unified Germany raises complicated questions. For us, however, one thing is certain: NATO will not expand to the east." And because the conversion revolved mainly around East Germany, Genscher added explicitly: "As far as the non-expansion of NATO is concerned, this also applies in general."

Shevardnadze replied that he believed "everything the minister (Genscher) said."

Tattered reputation is a matter of perspective. The Russians feel utterly lied too. Unfortunately, war is a risk. The inclusion of the Ukraine in NATO is perceived as an existential threat by Russia. Now is the hour for great statesmen to intervene.... Sadly, there doesn't seem to be any left.

NATOs expansion eastward was not well conceived (IMHO) and to an extent Russia has the right to feel that way, however; there are a few key differences. First the agreement between Genscher and Shevardnadze was never written, unlike the "Budapest Memorandums". It is also not clear that Genscher had the right to speak for NATO as a whole.

But to your point, you are correct - there does not seem to be any great statesmen left...

The fact of the matter is that RUssia doesn't get a vote as to whether its neighbors seek protection from the west. As events in Georgia and Ukraine have proved, Poland and the Baltic States were entirely correct in their belief that Russia cannot be trusted to have put aside its imperial ambitions. If NATO expanded east, Russia has only itself to blame for that.

Yes I do not think Ukraine will be allowed into NATO while this conflict continues. It is sad how the ego-power games of one man has killed so many people and caused such damage. Not just to Ukraine, but to the future economic and social futures of the Russian people.
What surprises me is that the conflict has heavily improved Putins public opinion at home. Obviously having complete control of the media helps that, but still, I am surprised more Russians do not read between the lines.
Russia rushed the change from dictator to democracy, and unfortunately through the chaotic period a dictatorship has once again been established. A sad time for Russians.

I'm surprised more Americans did not read between the lines as we practiced Manifest Destiny.