On 27 November, former Russian Army commander General Colonel Vladimir Chirkin accused Russia of being unprepared for the Ukraine war and warned the Kremlin that its early victory hopes were misplaced.
General Criticizes Russian War Preparedness
On 27 November, former commander of Russian ground forces General Colonel Vladimir Chirkin spoke on RBC radio, claiming that the army was unprepared for the conflict in Ukraine. He said Russia had underestimated the enemy while overestimating its own capabilities.
Russian Leadership Rejects Early Victory Claims
Chirkin refuted reports that Russia could capture Kyiv in three days, noting that the first few weeks of the war taught a ‘serious and painful lesson’ to Moscow’s leadership.
Freedom of Speech Threatened by Criminal Penalties
Ukrainian political journalist Denis Kazansky noted that such high‑level criticism is unprecedented in Russia and may lead to criminal prosecution. Kyiv Independent reported that public criticism of the war can result in 10‑15 years imprisonment, as authorities label it foreign‑agent activity. Amnesty International said more than 21 000 people were prosecuted in 2022.
Putin’s Past Dismissal of Chirkin
In 2013, President Vladimir Putin removed Chirkin from service after allegations of bribery surfaced. Investigations traced back to 2010‑2012, though details remain undisclosed.
Allegations of Bribery in Property Sales
Anonymous officials, according to the Kommersant, claimed that Chirkin accepted money for selling army‑related land and buildings at prices below market value.
