I mean, there's no need to invoke the specter of conspiracy... we have Russian and Ukrainian posters here. I'm sure they're quite legitimately passionate about their particular points of view, and they have every right to try to influence the community as long as they follow the rules.
Maybe, but probably more of the latter than the former.
Problem is, how could you tell the difference? A Russian plant and a Russian patriot are likely to make the same arguments, even use the same bad faith tactics common to internet argument.