Even if we stipulate that “Russia has consistently applied wanton violence as a tool in this war”, it doesn’t follow that they would also do something that would be very risky to themselves when they are about to get everything they want. If makes more sense that the losing party would get desperate and want to send a signal that they would go scorched earth if they lose.
Russia has consistently applied wanton violence as a tool in this war. This is a threat to Ukraine: take a bad deal or things can get worse for you.
Even if we stipulate that “Russia has consistently applied wanton violence as a tool in this war”, it doesn’t follow that they would also do something that would be very risky to themselves when they are about to get everything they want. If makes more sense that the losing party would get desperate and want to send a signal that they would go scorched earth if they lose.