Anti-Russian feelings exist in the western parts, but they have not been the prevalent attitude in the country historically. Half of Ukraine is ethnically Russian and speaks Russian, which is why they had elected a pro-Russian government before the 2014 coup. What attempts at independence has Ukraine made "for hundred years" which Russia suppressed? Nobody can take endless challenges and leave them without response. Everyone has their limits.
> What attempts at independence has Ukraine made "for hundred years" which Russia suppressed? 1917–1922, more here https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/History_of_Ukraine > Half of Ukraine is ethnically Russian and speaks Russian Usual stuff empire does is moving their loyal people to colony to mix population and make it more loyal. For example after Crimea annexation russia moved hundred thousands russian to crimea, specifically military people and their families. eastern part of Ukraine has a lot of factories built during USSR and because of that lots of russians moved to eastern ukraine. specifically to big cities, if you were in Ukraine you know that the moment you left big city, like Kharkiv, you see a lot of ukranian speeking people.
by accident came across this picture on youtube https://image.nostr.build/ee3b01ae7d16729f40c80249037f3bff508db123db5f12afca840e2719663205.png it says: "give me your gun and we guarantee your safety". humor of the issue, voice of ukraine magazine. bear is russia hare is ukraine, 1993! so ukraine at that time were quite sceptical about russia promises and picture shows relationships between countries. and thats way before maidan.