Yes, De. I can see that side, too. Even in the eastern regions not everyone spoke Russian, and even if they did, most probably want to participate in any of this.
But harsh treatment on one side will, almost inevitably, get mirrored on the other. And the mirroring tends to become magnified as things get more and more out of control and the outrages continue.
I'm obviously not a big fan of wars. Nor government. Nor fiat money. I see them all in a big Ukraine orgy.