It is updating you and your kin on what is actually happening. The 'local population'? They're all AFU and have been since Ukrainians were sent to attack through minefields and Russian fire with the idea of fulfilling Kyiv's wish to return Crimea. ("No negotiations!")
Since not all the AFU would have been there willingly, I agree it is tragic for the normal Ukrainians. I see the positive that it is becoming increasingly obvious that Kyiv's lack of diplomacy/trust in the west has been a terrible idea. Maybe it can stop soon.
