I read somewhere that this is a bit of a "class" issue in Eastern Ukraine, and that fits with what it-ogo is saying. Essentially what I read hinted that the workers are more pro-Russia, and educated people are more pro Ukraine. I didn't quite understand why that would be, but it seems to match with the looks/behaviour of people I've seen on TV, the swearing etc, and the fact that it-ogo (pro-Ukraine) is well educated, English speaking etc.

Also - an age factor involved; younger people who paid attention in school 1992-today are slightly more likely to be pro Ukraine because of school curriculum etc, and just out of habit.

Then I read a long rant by a Russian nationalist who had somewhat conflicting themes. One of his main point was that Russian nationalists looked down a bit on Eastern Ukraine as "backwards", not very clever people, and a "Soviet mentality" (intended as an insult).

So his reasoning was "why should Russia take risks for such people". I wouldn't have any idea at all, but there are a lot of Soviet and communist flags showing on TV with the protestors. This type of outlook seems to be popular in Eastern Ukraine. The piece I read explained that this was because of the Donbass being a prestige project in the USSR with people moving there from all over.

Finally, the Russian nationalist seemed conflicted about who exactly in Ukraine is a "Slavic brother" and who isn't - and who needed to be liberated from what. I don't know a great deal about extreme nationalism in Russia so it was interesting to read that perspective.