A former Russian general blamed flawed intelligence for Russia’s failed 2022 invasion of Ukraine, citing mistaken beliefs about Ukrainian support.

Former Russian General Vladimir Chirkin, in a rare November 2025 interview with RBC, criticized Russia’s intelligence community, giving it a failing grade for misjudging Ukrainian public sentiment and military readiness ahead of the 2022 invasion. He said leaders were misled into believing 70% of Ukrainians supported pro-Russian rule, when in reality, opposition was strong, contributing to Russia’s failed early campaign and retreat from Kyiv. Chirkin cited overconfidence, poor planning, outdated equipment, and the "Tbilisi syndrome"—troops’ hesitation to act without orders—as key failures. His candid remarks, made despite strict laws against criticizing the war, reflect growing internal acknowledgment of Russia’s intelligence and military shortcomings.