> no amount of "western" propaganda will convince someone in a country that was hit by the USA or NATO bombs that Ukraine supported by "the west" is fighting for freedom and democracy

I have at least one online friend from just such a NATO-bombed (and even relatively pro-Russia) country who is an absolutely solid supporter of Ukraine's fight against Russia's aggression.

Few people who live in countries with actual historical experience with Russia actually believe this garbage "NATO backed Russia into a corner" narrative.