"So they come out with their hands up": Russian State Duma deputy chairman calls for bombing of Ukrainian cities
Pyotr Tolstoy, Deputy Chairman of the Russian State Duma [parliament], has said Russia should openly bomb Ukrainian cities to demoralise the population and force Ukrainians to surrender to Russian troops.
Source: The Moscow Times, citing the Russian outlet Mozhem Obyasnit ("We can explain"), which drew attention to Tolstoy's remarks during an appearance on Russia's Channel One
Details: During the Vremya Pokazhet ("Time Will Tell") talk show, Tolstoy was reminded that more than 20 million people currently live in Ukraine and was asked what would happen to them if the country were turned into "scorched earth".
In response, the Russian MP suggested giving residents of Ukrainian cities 24 hours' notice of impending strikes and allowing them to leave their settlements.
Quote from Tolstoy: "Do you think that we are calling for cruelty? No, we are calling for the public to be demoralised so much that they come out to meet our troops with their hands up."
More details: On 23 February 2022, Russian television presenter and State Duma Deputy Chairman Pyotr Tolstoy was added to the European Union's sanctions list.
Background:
- Defence Intelligence of Ukraine and the Foreign Intelligence Service previously reported that Russia's General Staff has prepared a plan for the additional mobilisation of 600,000 people in 2026-2027 – 300,000 in each year. The mobilised personnel are primarily intended to replenish units fighting against Ukraine, as well as new military formations.
- According to The Wall Street Journal, in July, Russian forces conducted mobilisation exercises involving residents of Russia's Kaliningrad Oblast.
- In May, President Zelenskyy reported that Vladimir Putin's regime has set the task of increasing the strength of the Russian occupation army, indicating that Moscow does not plan to engage in genuine peace negotiations.
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