Do you? Honestly it doesn't seem like you do. What do you think goes on in Russia? What do you think goes on in territories occupied by Russia? Russia is pretty low on the Freedom index and the Russian occupied territories like the Donbas are beyond bad. Several countries that escaped Russia's clutches at the end of the Cold War are some of the freest places on earth. (note they are in NATO) This is why Ukrainians including native Russian speakers want to break away from Russian influence. Objectively being connected to Russia is much worse than being part of the west or even just distanced from Russia. So much so that they are willing to die for it and see their country suffer for the hope of a better future. This is encouraged by watching former Soviet republics and Warsaw pact members flouish and hearing from the people living in those countries.