There are many ways to create a dismembered Ukraine, an annexed Crimea, and a new Cold War, or Cold-War style standoff. And the current political wrestling over Ukraine, is making these outcomes increasingly likely.

There is only one way to prevent these potentially devastating scenarios from materializing. Compromise may not be a favored option for any party, especially when Kiev fancies European Union and United States support, and the EU and the US are betting on Russia's fear of sanctions, and Russia has the upper hand in Crimea, but all the parties must take a step back if they are to emerge from the current crisis a winner.

Certainly, there will be no winners only losers if today's confrontation is allowed to persist and escalate.