Almost everyone would choose freedom over anything else, even if it costs their death. Ukrainians do.
The history of tyrannical governments suggests that not “almost everyone” would choose that. Franklin's famous quote wouldn't be noteworthy if trading essential liberty for even temporary safety wasn't the common choice of most people through most of history.
Ukrainians do because they got support from the EU, as well as the US. If they stopped supporting, you know .... And, it is good that the EU and US are supporting Ukrainians. And, I hope the EU will support other countries, that are victims of the US.
The protests were large, insistent, and sometimes life-threatening for the participants. There was no major support from outside, except moral support.
When people trust that they are right, and, importantly, a large number of other people around them share the same commitment, they keep on fighting.
If Russia ever occupies large parts of Ukraine, they'll face fierce guerilla warfare. Much like the Germans faced during WWII on the same territory, much like the Soviets faced on westernmost parts of it after WWII. Traditions are there.
https://www.theguardian.com/news/2021/oct/03/revealed-anti-o...
Its a premature thinking that Ukraine citizen will start guerilla warfare? Can they live in cave like Taliban? Can they sacrifice life? There are many questions that needs to be answered.
Russia will probably install some Yes-man, who is obsequious to Putin. I don't think they intend to take whole Ukraine.
I am officially asking for source material to back your "almost everyone" assertion.