UPDATE: In an unprecedented critique, former Russian General Vladimir Chirkin has condemned the performance of Russia’s intelligence services during the early stages of the Ukraine invasion, stating they deserve a “failing grade.” This startling revelation came during an interview with Russian radio outlet RBC on November 27, 2023, and has raised alarms about the Kremlin’s miscalculations regarding the conflict.
Chirkin, who commanded Russia’s ground forces from 2012 to 2013, asserted that the Kremlin was “once again unprepared” for war, echoing sentiments that Russia underestimated both Ukrainian resistance and the political landscape. He stated, “Everyone, if you recall, started saying in February 2022 that the war would be over in three days. But unfortunately, it didn’t work out that way.”
The former general’s comments highlight a critical misjudgment: Russian leadership believed that 70% of Ukraine’s population supported a pro-Russian government, only to discover the opposite—30% were in favor of Russia while 70% opposed. “During the first few weeks, we were taught a seriously cruel lesson,” he remarked, shedding light on the devastating early setbacks faced by Russian forces.
Chirkin attributed part of the initial failures to the so-called “Tbilisi syndrome,” where troops hesitate to make tactical decisions without explicit orders from higher-ups. This paralysis may have contributed to the confusion and poor logistics that plagued Russian operations, leading to a withdrawal from the Kyiv area by late March 2022.
His candid assessment has gained traction among Ukrainian circles, particularly as it aligns with Western evaluations of Russia’s military strategy. “To be fair, I don’t intend to criticize anyone, but in my opinion, Russia was once again unprepared for war,” Chirkin noted.
Interestingly, the frankness of Chirkin’s remarks surprised even his interviewer, Yuri Tamantsev, who remarked, “To be honest, I didn’t expect such frankness at the very beginning of our conversation.” The gravity of his statements stands in stark contrast to Russia’s strict laws against disseminating “false information” about the war, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Despite his criticisms, Chirkin refrained from directly challenging the Kremlin’s justification for the invasion, focusing instead on the evolution of Russian military tactics and the potential pathways to achieve Moscow’s objectives.
Chirkin’s military career was marred by scandal; he was stripped of his command in 2013 due to bribery allegations and served time in a labor camp before having his rank reinstated. His recent statements provide a rare glimpse into the internal turmoil and challenges within the Russian military’s strategic planning.
As this story develops, the implications of Chirkin’s critique may resonate beyond military circles, highlighting the potential for internal dissent within the ranks of Russian leadership regarding its handling of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Observers will be watching for any further reactions from the Kremlin and how this could influence public sentiment in Russia and Ukraine alike.
Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding situation.