The next target after Russia loses against NATO will be China actually. And then Iran, North Korea. But you'll get a total nuclear exchange well before, so it's academical.
So likely next proxy is Moldova, Romania, Georgia, Belorus. Poland is also a possibility, but not at first. Unless Belorus, but then we're at tactical nukes stage already.
Russia was the aggressor here. Ukraines wanted to go towards the west for a better life and protection from being further invaded by Russia. Putin is of the school of thought that Ukraine isn't real. But it is the people of Ukraine who decide that.
The overthrow of a democratically elected president? That is what caused Eastern provinces to go into rebellion. Forcing those Eastern provinces to go back to being ruled by a pronato kyiv is impossible and will just lead to more fighting that will resolve nothing
I'm sure if Russia wins, it will bring its conquered lands to highs of democracy the rest of Russia enjoys... and the citizens will absolutely notice the difference.
Hands up, no my area. I'm not a Ukrainian. I known a few. They tell me Russia attacked their country. As does ever news outlet that I trust. So yer, sorry random person on the internet, I'm going with their narrative over yours.