I think the Russians might have a more legitimate claim to Crimea because it was only assigned to the Ukrainian SSR by Krushev in the 1950s. Before that, it was considered part of Russia and 90% of its population is Russian.
This isn't about America. Why are you blaming America for a war YOU Started, Ivan?
Actually, that might be the easiest concession for Russia to make, as these provinces are predominately Ukrainian and ruling over them will be a cost in resources and manpower Russia can ill afford.
Again, we are talking about compromises. If left up to me, I'd tighten up the sanctions on Russia until their economy collapsed.
But if you are talking to a path to peace, this would be one that all sides should be able to accept. Russia gets some potential territorial gains, Ukraine gets security guarantees.
Russia's conventional military is a fucking joke. Hey, how about the Admiral Kustonov? Oh, wait, it's still in drydock and all her sailors have been sent to the front as infantry? And it wouldn't stand a chance against even ONE Nimitz class carrier, much less the 10 we have.