I think and speak Russian, but that doesn't stop me from feeling like a Ukrainian.~
Same here, brother. I live in Kyiv, and speak and think in Russian, and I've never had any problems with that.
Just FWIW, I can confirm from personal contacts that a Ukrainian (born) being 'Russian speaking' does not make a (high functioning) Ukrainian be particularly fond of Russia, and certainly not fond of the Soviet Union in which they grew up and were educated. I myself am guilty of using 'Russian speaking' as short-hand for Unkrainians who might have some affinity for Russia, but it is too simplistic.
Even on Euromaidan no one ever asked me why I speak Russian.
Putin and his propaganda are lying to their people.
Have no more time to write rn.
For those who are interested, watch this Yuval Noah Harari video
https://youtu.be/yQqthbvYE8MHe explains it all really well.
The vid (which I skimmed due to lack of content) confirms to me that Harari is basically A) a pseudo-intelectual who is focuses what intellectual ability he has on saying what wealthy elite and their globalist useful idiots want to hear since it is a good way to make money and get free plane tickets (e.g., an evolution of the Jarred Diamond grift), or B) reasonably bright and informed, but a flat out propagandist playing to his globalist useful idiot base nary a shred of intellectual honesty in his content.