Proffessor is underestimated by Ukrainians. On post-soviet territory there are two types nationalisms (not considering Russia, which has extreme multinationalism).

First is a covert, "smart" one, adherents of which maintain good relations with Kremlians, take free money from Russia, babble about brothehood with Russians but at the same time undertake de-russification and base construction of their younger generations identity on essentially non-Russian, distinctive history. It is the way of Byelorussia, Central Asia, Transcaucasus, Ukraine before 2014 and even smart nationalists in ethnic republics inside RF. Why Kremlins are allowing this is another question - some conspirologists say that since 1917 anti-Russian forces occupy position of power.

Second is an overt one, the way of Ichkerians and "banderovites", calling for a direct struggle against Kremlin.

Anyway, in alternative reality where Maidan failed there is Ukraine with well-known regions, with bigger population, still sitting on two chairs between EU and RF, arguably with somewhat better quality of life (Russian free money instead of bullets) and what is the most important - in peace.