[PeterisP]

> is it really worth throwing away so your elite rules instead of your neighbors' elite?

When the difference is between your elected government and an invading regime that's well known for being violently oppressive even against their own people - yes. Also, the Ukrainian people can easily see the how life goes for people who stayed in DNR/LNR.

You either fight totalitarianism or flee it; accepting it is a really lousy option.