According to some commentators, the West is distracted from the Ukraine by Syria and anti-terrorism. This has allowed (pro)Russian forces to harass Ukrainian forces with mines, sniper fire, small raids, etc.

However, the Ukrainian Army is vastly larger than in 2014 and much better-led and equipped. Moreover, Russia has withdrawn some of its special forces to Syria as part of its nascent support for Assad on the ground.

It seems to me that Russia is in an unenviable position. The Ukraine may be missing some parts but it is neither a Russian subject nor a failed state; the Ukrainian nation is in better shape than at any time since independence.

Is now the time for the Ukraine to retake Crimea and/or Donbass, after a Russian provocation?

Can the US backed by allies in NATO-East and in the Middle East squeeze Russia on two fronts while also bleeding Iran white?

Thoughts?