Former Russian Prime Minister Sergey Stepashin commented on Vladimir Putin’s position regarding Kiev, emphasizing the president’s restraint.

In an interview with TASS, he said that the center of Kiev remains intact due to Putin’s prudence and calculated approach, although Russia retains the capability to carry out strikes and is deliberately refraining from doing so for the time being. Stepashin noted that Putin avoids drastic actions despite calls from parts of society to strike Kiev and Bankovaya Street.

Speaking to journalists, Stepashin said he was genuinely surprised that Putin does not take harsh steps, even though, in his words, strikes on Kiev and Bankovaya could have been carried out.

According to the former prime minister, this stance is explained by several factors. He pointed to the president’s upbringing, personal integrity and rational calculation, adding that history teaches the importance of not destroying everything.