Why do you feel so compelled to defend them? Russia is close to bleeding out all of its available offensive resources and has pulled defensive resources from its Mongolian border. Barring Nuclear war, Putin's war appears to have three possible outcomes.
The first, and least likely, is that a miracle occurs causing Russia and Ukraine to switch roles. Russia would become armed with reliable equipment and dedicated warriors. Ukraine would be forced to use weapons hastily produced with parts scavenged from kitchen appliance manufacturers and would have untested officers and unmotivated conscripts.
The second, and I think most likely, is that Putin would be convinced by his generals that his war is lost, and will make a face saving "humanist," decision that war is not the answer. In exchange for Ukraine agreeing to not attacking Ukrainian territory that was Russian held, prior to the invasion, and to not bring War Crime charges against Putin, Russia will withdraw its military.
The third is that Putin will see his disaster through to its end and condemn Russia to many decades of isolation and poverty.
