“...Russian or Ukrainian?”
They are Ukrainians who speak Russian and are originally from the Eastern Ukraine. Part of the family were sent to Solovki during the Stalin era (that is one reason there are less Ukrainians in the Eastern Ukraine).
Well then they do have a plight to where they will put their loyalties. Putin rewards that and important to him ....they will not be able to ride the fence in that respect.
They are in Russia now and must decide, just as the Military of Ukraine men have had to...who they support. If they want to maintain their Ukranian identity then they’ll have to move now or later..but they will have to go. It’s really not fair but but country’s least concern will be to those not loyal to the one they are in..if at all.
Remember they asked the US for arms...Obama sent them MRI military meals.......a subtle message wouldn't you say?
There's a reason the Eu/Nato has determined not to move further with Ukraine as a member....Ukraine must first prove itself and this by the next Government. ...then they have to operate in such a way that the EU believes they can maintain stability. They will assist in this but they won't do it for them.
It's going to be a long haul back so your family needs to understand that..and then there may be no guarantees even then Nato will take them under their belt...and from the sounds of the Brussels meeting it doesn't sound like that's the plan going forward.
THE Eu has a reputation for promising much and delivering little by the standards and expectations nations assume when they go in....there is no free ride with them...especially since they are pretty much maxed financially helping nations who are “current” members of Eu/Nato....that point was raised at Brussels. Also, there's no telling if Putin won't go into Eastern and South Ukraine...he could and would surely justify that.....another reason the International community is waiting....