While I appreciate the distinction you're trying to draw, I must push back on grounds of both fact and philosophy.

Putin is the undpisuted head of the Russian Federation, and his actions as its leader carry the full weight and authority of the state. He does not act alone - he has generals and aides and countless others who are enthusiastically required to carry out this "very special military operation." It is therefore accurate to state that "Russia" has invaded or attacked Ukraine.

In saying so, I am not stating that it is "Russians' war," although I submit: I could fairly say so.

A country has a system of unconcscious beliefs, and those beliefs govern the actions of its leaders, even an unpopular one. Are liberals in the US unimpeachable for the actions taken by Trump? Saying so might provide a certain solace, but is not useful to the endeavor of winning the battle for the heart, mind and limbs of a nation. Far better for liberals to confront the values and assumptions they themselves believe that allow a calculating shyster to usurp authority.

In the case of the Russian people, it's not at all clear that Putin does not act with their assent. He came to power with a substantial dose of acuiescence (the Russians knew enough to question the apartment blasts, but they did not); and to the extent the Russian people are being deceived into believing Ukrainians are in need of denazifying, it is a deception they're eager to accept, no different than how gleefully certain people in the US want to believe that America is the arsenal of democracy or that critical race is secretly teaching white kindergarteners to hate themselves. Many Russians agree with Putin that Ukraine is not a real country and that ethnically, Ukrainians are the inept younger siblings of brave, smart Russians.

There may be some Russians who strenuously object, and to them, I say: I hope you can find a way to prove that your view is Russia's view. Until then...?