back to history: ok, I understand that area of Moscow was somewhere between old “Rus” of Kyiv and Novgorod – was it part Rus or more Ganza, not sure. How does that support Moscow’s claim to be in charge of Kyiv? It would rather support Kyiv’s claim on Moscow (and many other Russian and Belorus cities). If the claim is simply “one culture”, “one nation”, similar to Nazi’s claim on Austria, Sudeten, ..
then maybe Moscovites should propose a weak and fair union? I understand they do have some organization that is joined by their satellites. I am talking about genuine partnership where Ukraine is an equal partner, like early EU. Would this make more sense that bombing the most Russified areas of Ukraine?!
Also, maybe pass to your Russian friends – they do not understand how voting works. They annexed most of the pro-Russian part of Ukraine 10 years ago. That means. remaining voters are more anti-Russian and will elect an anti-Russian government. I am not even mentioning those who changed their views.