In a sea of lies, logic is the only measure against which we can hope to discern the truth.

While the Russians would have motive to produce propaganda, there is no reason for them to actually mistreat civilians—as it would only create a pretext for NATO involvement.

There is a motive for Zelensky to want civilian suffering. He cannot defeat the Russians, no matter how consistently he claims his side is winning. They are outgunned and outmanned, and the Russians have essentially surrounded the majority of his army. He needs NATO.

If he can convince the west the Russians are decimating innocents, he can hope to drag NATO in on his side.

Strategically, abusing civilians would be the best way for Putin to lose an enormous advantage. And the fact that they are moving slowly instead of using shock-and-awe tactics supports this view—not because they are losing, but to MINIMIZE civilian casualties.