I agree that it wouldn't be the best PR but it would be a relatively good way to weaken them.
In any case, it seems relatively clear that NATO won't help them and they don't really have allies. So acting as the victim is not providing any benefits for them.
It seems Ukrainians don't have a lot of leverage in this war otherwise and their prospects are currently not so bright.
So that would be to put in balance with the risk of annexation to Russia and de facto suppression of their democracy.
> I agree that it wouldn't be the best PR but it would be a relatively good way to weaken them.
Wars are won by morale. Material is instrumental to that, sure, but a relatively minor material gain (and against Russia, that's all Ukraine gains by unrestricted targeting in Russia) isn't worth a massive boost to the enemy population’s willingness to fight when that will is likely the greatest weakness your opponent has and your best path to victory. No one neighboring Russia is going to defeat them in a conventional war materially, but they have been outlasted in willingness to fight.
In any case, it seems relatively clear that NATO won't help them and they don't really have allies. So acting as the victim is not providing any benefits for them.
It seems Ukrainians don't have a lot of leverage in this war otherwise and their prospects are currently not so bright.
So that would be to put in balance with the risk of annexation to Russia and de facto suppression of their democracy.