Well, we know that Minsk II was a sham since it was 'implemented' in 2015, with Ukie military trained to NATO standards and weapons for 8 years, so there was no question about Ukr/NATO ever wanting peace.

Crimea was snatched away from the US, in 2014, after RF realised US had plans to convert Sebastopol into US naval asset (remember US construction plans to convert/refurbish the school there?). In essence it would have meant US control of the Black Sea, which would have made RF somewhat uncomfortable : ).