Something that needs to be formulated precisely - no moral person is objecting that Russian dissidents are now free. I don't even believe that they should be criticized for catering to Russian liberal audience, which is their base.

However, there is a certain fear of appeasement in the air, fear that Washington may once again go down the road it took in 2014 when Russia attacked Ukraine for the first time and in 2008 when Russia attacked Georgia.

This is not the fault or responsibility of freed Russian dissidents, all of that rests entirely on Washington. Of course Ukranians feel marginalized, because Washington is yet again playing the game - "how to demonstrate to Russia and Russians that we don't wish them harm".

No place for Ukranians in that game on the pitch, they're all sidelined. This game has been going on from the collapse of the USSR up to 2022 and still the main Russian argument (both the state's and the nation's) is that the West desires the destruction of Russia.

Since this game brings no desired result, it's clear that it should have been abandoned years ago, not in 2022. This game actually motivated Putin to engage in the adventure of 2022. But now there are signs this game may continue once again.

Such a sign was this particular prisoner/hostages swap, which implies the idea of constructing a "good Russia" in mid-air once more. Only Russians can build this shining city on the hill, it will not be built in Washington or Bonn, I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

There is no realistic, tangible indication that the majority of Russians would opt for a "good Russia", a liberal democratic one, even if Putin was to suddenly disappear. It's not up to the US to save Russia from itself.

The US and its allies share a common interest to contain the Russian threat. That is all. They cannot and should not engage in their favorite project of "building a good Russia". They haven't the effective capacity to do so, as they cannot occupy a nuclear Russia.

Russia can be appeased, meaning the capitulation of the West, and Russia can be contained, meaning building a robust security structure from the Barents Sea to the Sea of Azov. Everything beyond the wall is strategic balance and letting Russia have its own political process.

If a rational Russia emerges, that's great, only it should go through a trial period, as any ex-convict goes through probation before he can be fully accepted into the community. Or it can become China's concubine beyond the security wall, whatever suits Russia itself.

In conclusion, stop selling the "good Russia construction set" out of Washington, or whatever European capital, and the fear of appeasement will abate. Don't blame Russian dissidents in all of this, since they have their own struggle and we wish them well.