

“Has” is a bit strong at the start of the war (2014). The revolution of dignity built actual sovereignty by slowly ousting the puppeteers. At the start of the major conflict (2022), the Ukrainian identity was only a fraction of how strong it is now.
In the end, there is perhaps some conspirational truth to what he said. Heavy hints that Russia invaded exactly after Maidan (2014), “separatists super unhappy with less ties with Russia and revolted too”, in the same week, is the weakest shit I have ever seen. Happy for 25 years, suddenly revolted. And Russia brought a whole occupational army to help the poor peacefully seceding citizens. Doesnt take a genius to see it’s just an already planned out show of force, “You don’t suckle on great big Russia’s teet, so we can slowly eat you? Then I will take your lands”
I think you’re right on your first sentence. Second one is entirely superfluous; and doesn’t have substance in support for the question.