This could be “the” game changer.
As the population of these villages are spread in to the interior of Russia, support for the war could be inflamed.
Of course it is possible it could turn the other way.
Culturally , I would say .. inflamed is more likely.
If the people start calling for Putin to “do more” ... Katie bar the door.
If they start pleading for peace .. Putin could be backed into a corner ... not good in any case.
Somebody is really playing for all the marbles with this ...
Who is bank rolling the border fighters?
Propaganda war is a dangerous thing ... sometimes it turns on you.
Biggest game changer...
Putin gets a clue and leaves Ukraine.