The post in particular that really shocked me was the story of how Ukrainian government is training children to fight

Yes, Ukraine even trains pregnant women. They will also have weapons. Do you read RT and believe in the reality of photos without context or source?

What is the problem with teaching children to evacuate and not to touch explosives? https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-schools-prepare-kids-for-possible-russian-attack/av-60620850

But my main question is, how do Ukranians feel about the Russian people?

Until your society takes responsibility for the crimes of your government, you are all slaves. https://youtu.be/0TuzrMg23cM

Although I respect those who protest or spread the truth https://www.instagram.com/p/CNhjFqmlG19/

I honestly see us having very close ties

You think so only because of your family and the fact that most Ukrainians speak Russian with you. If Ukrainians did not know Russian, you would perceive Ukraine as Poland

different culture

Lesya Ukrainka and Pushkin are different