I think the situation in Donbass isn't too different from Germany/Austria example you've mentioned. Its population has been predominantly Russian since about 1700s. The Maidan revolution was a breaking point that lead to creation of separatist factions. DPR and LPR we're created bc they feel that the current ukrainian government did not represent them. Crimea was completely neglected by the Ukrainian government since the fall of USSR. One of my aunts lived there all her life and she posts a lot of before/after pictures of the area. Putin had invested a lot of money in fixing the dilapidated infrastructure, the stores no longer have shortages of staple items, gone are the power shortages and rolling black outs, the pensioners are receiving their money with no issues. It's actually amazing how quickly the place has transformed. The problem in ukraine is not russia. It's the deeply ingrained corruption within her government. The distinct culture of her people is not under a threat, it's a narrative that is being pushed by foreign actors with their own ulterior motives. I don't mean to sound callous in regards to my ancestoral home. I love ukraine and her unique culture and genuinely wish that they would come to a peaceful resolution with their russian brothers. This tugs at my heart in ways I can't explain https://youtu.be/qT3JejPTHns