Leo Tolstoy is undoubtedly one of the most popular Russian writers, even among the most widely read in world literature.
But in the meantime, his great-grandson Pyotr, the deputy president of the Russian parliament, the Duma, is currently one of the most popular members of officials with a more radical approach to the conflict in Ukraine.
Interviewed by the Italian daily "Corriere della Sera", Tolstoy clearly presented the vision that is already ruling in the Kremlin.
"You Europeans lack the understanding of history. It takes a lot to understand the conflicts between Russia and Europe over the centuries to understand. In the 19th century we were in Paris, in the 20th century we were in Berlin, the only middle point for the 21st century was Kiev", he reveals his historical vision.
Tolstoy denies that Moscow is losing the war, or the objectives of the special operation, as the campaign against Ukraine launched by Vladimir Putin in February is defined.
"Difficulties are part of a film that the West is building. In every conflict there are periods of victory, defeat, and troop displacement before the winter season. Our objective now is to take Ukraine to the 18th century technologically."
According to him, this is happening now with the withdrawal of Russian troops from the Kherson area. "It is our tactic to minimize losses, but Kherson is Russian and will return as such", he adds.
The conflict in Ukraine is just one stone in the bigger game he says is being played today, the challenge between Moscow and the West.
"When everything will be over, a new world system will be born, the Western myths of the cold war and NATO will be memories of the past. The conflict with the West will be long, the real actions of Russia will be seen in the future", says the senior Russian official.
Tolstoy declared that Moscow is still open to dialogue with Kiev, but that any attempt is blocked by Washington.
"We are open to those who really take the decision-making, but now we need a victory on the ground. We can wait for that, we have plenty of time", he adds.