There were similar scenes in 2014 specifically for Donbas and Donbas only. That's how so many volunteer battalions sprung up within weeks to accommodate them, in addition to independent militias who didn't even try to join any regular forces, including for the reasons you mentioned (and supplying themselves through crowdfunding, instead of relying on state or even sponsorship by oligarchs).
#ResignZelensky
Ukrainian fighters are mostly enthusiastic volunteers.
The separatists nowadays are mostly conscripts, aged from 18 to over 80 (the elderly go to police style forces).
I'm sure they are stoked to be undersupplied underpaid and under corrupt leadership. I bet they are just seething in order to fight in the donbass.
There were similar scenes in 2014 specifically for Donbas and Donbas only. That's how so many volunteer battalions sprung up within weeks to accommodate them, in addition to independent militias who didn't even try to join any regular forces, including for the reasons you mentioned (and supplying themselves through crowdfunding, instead of relying on state or even sponsorship by oligarchs).