Youre disappointed about a leader whose country is being invaded not bowing to pressure and rallying his people? Not sure what your criteria for heroism is but it doesn’t seem particularly based in reality.

Is it "heroic" to enter a war with no official support from the West then call on the West to help you? This isn't a movie. This is people dying because he won't give up his right-wing dream of a "free Ukraine" that will still have to do business with its giant neighbor and will always be under that neighbor's influence. Canada is the same for the US. It needs to play the game. Taiwan is the same for China. It plays the game.

Is it "heroic" to stop men from leaving the country so they can fight a war they have no interest in fighting? That seems a bit like he's infringing on their freedom, no? Why is this ignored?

I think OP wanted to make a point that Z is not all sunshine and rainbows.