That’s true, Ukrainian and Russian are quite similar. More than Polish and Ukrainian, for example. It’s great that you’re learning those two languages! And if you can understand what Russian are saying in those recordings, you’re knowledge of Russian is really good.

By the way, it’s funny how easily Ukrainians distinguish between Russians and their own ay when Russians steal their uniform or call and try to lie their way into getting some info. All it takes is to speak Ukrainian. :) Every Ukrainian speaks Russian, but almost no Russian speaks Ukrainian.