The Iran crisis puts Russia's president in the catbird seat.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/01/11/why-soleimanis-killing-is-gift-vladimir-putin/
https://www.gazeta.ru/army/2020/01/09/12901904.shtml
http://www.ng.ru/world/2020-01-09/100_09012020_libya.html
This year, a severe crisis between Russia and Ukraine following increased fighting in eastern Ukraine, and/or a major military clash in contested areas, was included as a top tier priority in the Center for Preventive Action’s annual Preventive Priorities Survey.
https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/4214855
Обострение на Донбассе может стать рычагом давления на Киев перед следующей «нормандской встречей»
https://ru.krymr.com/a/chem-otvetit-armiya-ukrainy-kogda-rossia-poydet-v-ataku/30363149.html