As a follow up to my last question, I’d like to ask Westerners for their opinions on Donbas relative to the war.

I’m not looking for any particular kind of answer, but a few prompts if needed would be something such as, your opinion on the role of Donbas and its people in regards in the war - are they under occupation, or do you believe they have legitimate grievances that need to be resolved through more diplomatic means? Do you believe that Donbas would actually rather be part of Russia or independent from Ukraine, or do you believe that Donbas rebels were essentially a Russian (country) Paramilitary? Do you think that Ukraine should, if successful in the reclamation, act to reconcile with the ethnic Russian population through things like increased autonomy, the recognition and/or legal protection of the Russian language on a state or regional level, or perhaps even something like Quebecs Bill 96, to actively encourage and enforce the use of Russian locally? Or do you believe that Russians should be equated to Ukrainians and given no advantages (or disadvantages) on a national or regional level

And again, these are mostly just prompts, so you can feel free to mention or talk about anything related to your opinion or view of Donbas in relation to the War. And, just as last time, anybody is free to answer, though I’d still prefer the Western perspective this time