I don't think the Ukraninian people will stand for allowing the eastern provinces to become independent. Additionally, there is then the consideration of Transnistria on the western border of Ukraine, located in Eastern Moldova....it's officially part of Moldova, but in name only....the people all along that border are autonomous, having their own government, currency & warriors...most of it's inhabitants define as Russian, & there's at least a couple thousand Russian troops in that area. It's something to keep an eye on; especially considering it's geographical location vis a vis this conflict. & it'd be even more of a buffer, with Russian loyalists...it's already a Russian-friendly staging ground, & a not-unlikely spot for attacking Ukraine from its Western flank.