Many people here judge the Russian options, based on Western presumptions around "limit the civilian casualties and damage". Though, once you leave those subtilities behind, the Russian approach isn't that stupid to have better chances to "win" the battle. Russia isn't going to fund the repair costs for rebuilding of captured area's. They leave it to the civilians, on their own, so who cares, not the Russians. General living standard is not a key (political) issue in Russia.
Does the end justify the means? not if you signed the Geneva Conventions and are a permanent member of the UNSC especially if you want ever to be trusted again.
This should not be the new world order.