Here is a more recent example...eh?
https://www.npr.org/2022/06/26/1107688656/russia-strikes-kyivIMO, Russia doesn't want to demolish Kiev but instead
use the threat of demolishing it as a potent bargaining chip
in upcomming peace negotiations . And besides the Russian
people regard Kiev as a Russian City and they will want it spared
just as the French wanted Paris spared during WW2.
Kiev:
"The city is still considered a sacred place for all Orthodox Christians in Russia and Ukraine.
It was also the first capital of the Russian State, which at that time was known as Kiev Russ.." (source: justgorussia.com)
