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Russian Former Commander Slams Invasion Strategy, Calls It “Underprepared”
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![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
Vladimir Chirkin, the former commander of the Russian Ground Forces, has voiced his criticism of Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, stating that Russia was once again unprepared for the war.
In an interview with the Russian outlet RBK on November 27, Chirkin explained that Russia suffered from the typical tendency to underestimate its adversary and overestimate its own military capabilities.
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He referenced Russia’s reported plan to “capture Kyiv in three days,” suggesting that the Kremlin's leadership was influenced by the “Tbilisi Syndrome”—a reference to the 2008 five-day war with Georgia—yet in Ukraine's case, things did not unfold as expected.
"During the first few weeks, we were taught a serious harsh lesson, and the former defense minister tried to find a face-saving exit from the situation, calling what was happening a 'gesture of goodwill'," Chirkin stated.
Chirkin also criticized “the entire Russian intelligence community” for providing misleading information to the leadership, which led them to believe that “70% of the Ukrainian population supports us, while only 30% is opposed.”
Earlier, a high-ranking NATO official expressed the belief that Russian leader Vladimir Putin is bluffing about his willingness to engage in war against Europe.
Speaking to reporters on the condition of anonymity before a NATO ministerial meeting, the official stated that although the Alliance is aware of Putin's recent statements, it does not view them as a genuine indication of intent.
