Tolstoy Calls for Open Bombing of Ukrainian Cities
The State Duma called for openly bombing Ukrainian cities. Russian forces must begin openly bombing Ukrainian cities to force Ukrainians to surrender, said State Duma deputy speaker Petr Tolstoy.
Consensus
- Petr Tolstoy, a deputy and vice-speaker of the State Duma, called for open bombing of Ukrainian cities during a TV show.
- Tolstoy suggested giving civilians a one-day warning before bombings to allow evacuation.
- He stated the goal was to demoralize the civilian population so they would 'come out with paws up' to meet Russian troops.
- Tolstoy is leading the Moscow list for United Russia in the upcoming State Duma elections.
- The statement contradicts the official Russian position that only military targets are being bombed.
Points of divergence
- Tolstoy specifically mentioned that civilians should be demoralized to the point of meeting Russian forces with 'paws raised' and that he is the highest-ranking parliamentarian to call for such bombings. — tg_istories_media
- The statement directly contradicts the official Russian position, which claims that only military targets are bombed, as stated by the Ministry of Defense, Foreign Ministry, Kremlin, and Vladimir Putin. — tg_moscowtimes_ru
Coverage (2 sources)
- Duma Vice-Speaker Tolstoy Called for Open Bombing of Civilians in Ukrainian Cities. He Will Lead 'United Russia' to a Defeat... — Важные истории
- «To meet our troops with raised paws». The State Duma called for openly bombing Ukrainian cities — The Moscow Times