Russian military history going back centuries showcases scorched earth tactics. Russian have burned Russia during war to defeat enemies. This is a long standing Russian military doctrine. Everything can be rebuilt. It’s been done before. Tanks can’t roll in mud. Seems simple and convincing enough, specially when retreat would have possibly fatal political consequences.
Russian history has more to add to this conversation regarding the “population” and taking in of their considerations when Russia’s elite made and make decisions. The population itself historically seems to have accepted this state of affairs.
(It is not “Russophobia” to remind of Russian military’s history when discussing Russian military tactics.)