I suspect that Russia is just establishing a negotiating position with this threat. If Ukraine agrees to cede the eastern provinces they will probably drop these threats.
” If Ukraine agrees to cede the eastern provinces they will probably drop these threats.”
They’ll want a treaty for Donbas and Crimea...minimum.
Otherwise they’ll keep creeping along and pounding away.
Leaving rubble in their path.
But, I agree. For that treaty they’ll stop.