MANPADS simply cannot reach an aircraft at 20k ft, let alone 30k. And this aircraft was at 30k. Ditto for AA guns. Although large caliber AA guns from WWII could reach 30k, no one uses them anymore. You won't find anything larger than 57mm.
This aircraft was brought down with SAM system or by another aircraft.
You love to call people who defend their homes from illegal junta "thugs".
What would you call a group of Mexican immigrants who took up arms to force the reunification of the American SW with Mexico?
Russians live for centuries in what is called Ukraine today. It is their country.
Better analogy was this: China bankers install puppet regime in Washington DC and split the U.S. into 15 states. They create Aztlan out of TX, Socal and Arizona. Aztlan government is supported by Beijing. and murder and harass English speakers.
How would you call Texans in this scenario that is similar to what is going on in Ukraine today?
Thugs?