Which allied countries border germany on the east and west ? how might this effect germanys ability to win the war

 Fighting a war on two fronts is difficult at all times, your forces are divided. 
Germany had France to its West and Russia to its east.

Well Having a war fought on both sides tires them out. However Germany new in the begining that it couldn't win a war on both sides, and against the powers it was fighting. That's why the Schlieffen plan was meant to target France and get it out right away. As soon as that happened some knew the war was already lost for the Germans. Battle on both sides tired out Germany, even with Russias exit in 1917.