Depends on the faction? Millions of Vietnamese were dying on both sides. Same for Afghans during the 1980s, yet they should complain about being used as proxies when they are willing to fight and die in their view the occupiers? Ukrainians who I had mentioned long before the war started was willing to fight and die as well. Just needed the weapons. ANA in Afghanistan during 2000s weren't willing to do so. You can say say as much as you want about Americans are fighting the Russians to the last Ukrainian, but this is not the first time.