Ive been to Russia a couple of times and some of the former soviet lands too. Th ordinary people are the same as Joe Public the world over - they want a good life for their kids, and not to be under the thumb of the ruling class, especially the generals!
Russians love their children too!
Older Russians also love radio, just as we do. (I dont know many young kids there, but expect they are the same as. kids over here?)

Putin has a couple of options. He has power and the capability to do lots, but i expect this is just posturing. Plain Willy-Waving. The worst he will do is spread out the Donetsk boys out to form a land bridge across to Crimea.
Scary times, but remember that, whatever happens, it will be a few in power over the military and not regular people.