If you watch his interviews with Oliver Stone, Putin seems to have a very strong feeling for “his people” ie Russians in Ukraine. That is actually one of the strongest motivation for him to send his troops, besides the threat from NATO issue. Unlike the Americans, the man does not like bullshitting. When he said Ukraine is overrun by NAZIs, he is stating facts. When he says he wants to avoid hurting civilians, he meant it. He understands well how the ordinary Ukrainians are manipulated by the politicians and he seems to have a soft spot for them.