Russia Ukraine war, page-176112

It surely says something about Russia's intention, that they spent much of 2022 trying to focus on the fronts. Also, they originally left Kiev largely intact. Strikes on cities and infrastructure (away from frontline areas) really increased after Ukraine began hitting Russian-held towns and infrastructure. I think this indicates Russia wanted/expected negotiations. I think Russia continues to realise that civilian deaths create immense support for Kyiv, and so they try to reduce instances where this occurs. It seems to me that AFU continue getting free passes when they attack areas with no military targets (almost on a daily basis), and such instances are swept under the rug by our news organisations.