The question is whether it is due to intent by higher ups or just total lack of discipline. Or both. At any rate, I do not think it is debatable at this point that the current Russian leadership has traversed the line between agressive nationalist interest seekers and general malevolent, almost comic-book villain status. The difference is the difference between desire to rule, which we see in many - even revered - figures throughout history, as bloody as their conquests may have been, and a willingness to callously murder and destroy. It is clear that Russian forces at the least, were not seeking mere overlordship over the territories they had held.

It really makes you wonder what can be done about it, when the perpetrator holds a nuclear arsenal capable of plunging the world into nuclear winter.

For who could be free when every other man's humour might domineer over him? - John Locke (2nd Treatise, sect 57)