Russian Foreign Policy Council Member Calls to Turn Ukraine into "Gaza Strip"

Alexander Losev, a presidium member of Russia's Council on Foreign and Defense Policy (SVOP), called on Komsomolskaya Pravda radio for a sharp escalation of strikes against Ukraine in pursuit of a "quick victory." He argued that major Ukrainian cities should be reduced to the conditions of the "Gaza Strip" and its population rendered passive so that they would eventually accept Russian dominance after the war.

Losev criticized any diplomatic restraint, rejecting what he characterized as the "spirit of Anchorage," and urged a shift toward extensive devastation. According to him, as long as Ukraine retains the capacity to resist, Moscow must maintain relentless military pressure. He went on to describe an acceptable border for Russia as reaching territory near the Polish city of Krakow.

The political analyst also compared his proposed strategy to post-World War II policies implemented in Germany and Japan. In his view, overwhelming military force would compel Ukrainian society to abandon resistance and fundamentally reshape its attitude toward Russia.

The SVOP, where Losev serves on the presidium, is a founding entity of the Valdai Discussion Club, whose annual forums are regularly addressed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.