There is no way Russia will accept Ukraine as Pro western country like Finland with very nominal lip service of Neutrality. Russian never lost the post-soviet states in a war. They kind of broke apart but with an expectation that they will remain in Russian orbit, allow russian culture-language to thrive and remain oriented towards Russia. If that doesn't happen then why would Russia allow places it conquered with million lives lost in ww2 and actually ruled for several centuries to slip away without a war?
For Ukraine its more dear to Russia since the Origin of the Russian people, culture and the Russian state itself is Kievan Rus.
Ukraine was called little Russia during Tsar times. While Belarus is still called "White Russia". Russia itself was called Great Russia. Three parts of a single whole.
Russia firmly believes these countries never fought a war of Independence and never really got full independence. Yes, they are nominally independent, but only because of Russian benevolence with the expectation they will remain under Russian influence.
In a way, this war is the true war of Independence for Ukraine. They got their independence for Free last. Now its time to really fight for it and establish it.
Russia will only allow an independent Ukraine that is a firm Russian ally just like Belarus with full military co-operation and interoperability. There will have to be strong pro-russian cultural stance with Russian culture, language and media promoted. Essentially how Canada is for US. A firm, completely loyal ally with the same culture.
