Ukraine was always going to lose, going up against Russia, as would most nations. Lose-lose is a better option for the people of Ukraine, if you accept they are desiring to defend themselves (which will entail a higher death toll); the other scenario is Russia wins (taking no losses) and Ukraine loses (nearly everything).

Ukraine can make Russia suffer if the West has given them enough weapons to do so. I'm skeptical that they did in time. They had seven years after Crimea to help Ukraine, and waited far too long to do it to a great enough degree.