Of course I make that distinction. A Russian invader isn’t a part of your country. There are no cultural bonds between Russians and Americans (or rather, they do exist but they are very weak). Meanwhile, California’s history more or less begins with the US. They are a part of the US, speak the language, are considered to be American culturally, and so on. All these things, when combined, generally make one a lot less willing to treat a compatriot the same way as a foreigner, even when hostile.