Of course, the locals may decide that "rational countermeasures" means an overtly Nazi government. But I'm not convinced that that would be actively detrimental to Russia's interests.

To the extent that they emphasize the 'National' in National-Socialist' they might be less harmful to the interests of average Ukrainian citizens than the pro-EU/pro-western 'leaders' prepared to enter into agreements with the EU. And, to the extent that they acted on the interests of the average citizen Putin may well find them easier to deal with. He could then play the 'Fellow Slav' card.

"It is not necessary to have hope in order to persevere."