In my experience, even Russians that are avoiding Russia have the mindset that the US/West pissed Putin off and this is the explanation for anything that befalls Ukraine, with of course the idea that Ukraine and the US can end it by giving Putin the taken territory as if its a troll toll

pervasive victim blaming that never acknowledges the choice that the aggressor made, its his “special military operation”

It doesn't matter what they think. It only matters if they can't afford to eat. Shell them until they can't and they will stop; it's really irrelevant how they justify it to themselves.

Failing to make this choice was the singular point that could have prevented World War II. Destroying Russia's ability to make war is the only way to prevent World War III.