A Russian general has launched a scathing attack on Vladimir Putin warning him that Russia is facing a “strategic defeat.”
Leonid Ivashov who is well known amongst the military criticised Putin’s war in Ukraine and accused the Russian dictator of provoking a wider conflict and has called for his resignation.
Ivashov warned in 2022 when Putin launched his full-scale war that this will “threaten the very existence of Russia,” he now firmly believes that Russia will “collapse.”
“According to Vladimir Putin’s statements, a strategic defeat will lead to Russia’s collapse,” general Ivashov said.
“However, there is no clarification of what is meant by this ‘strategic defeat.’ The fact that we are isolated and permanent members of the UN Security Council are making statements in support of Ukraine is already our strategic defeat.”
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He then scorned Putin over his constant nuclear rhetoric, he said, “The Kremlin has been touting its latest missile developments, such as the Burevestnik and Poseidon.
“We cling to the missile Burevestnik and the nuclear torpedo Poseidon like a plaster cast. In reality, the United States will be able to destroy us before these reach their targets, if we even manage to fire them.”
Russian forces are increasingly likely to seize the
He said that Russian force may capture the crucial city of Pokrovsk, which is the “gateway to Donetsk,” but he said even if it is taken it will be irrelevant.
“That we advanced somewhere near Pokrovsk is only a tactical success; we have no operational-tactical successes, and at the strategic level we have suffered defeat in every direction,” he said.
I wrote earlier this week, “Russian “victories” have been rare, limited and bought in blood. Pokrovsk offers him something to point at on state TV, a talking point, a symbol, a narrative of progress before winter mud and frost lock the front in place.
“Look at the scale. Ukrainian commanders estimate around 110,000 Russian troops concentrated toward Pokrovsk. Russian daily losses here have reached 700–800 at peak assaults. Ukraine faces manpower strain too, with forces outnumbered roughly eight to one in this direction. And yet Russia still cannot break through quickly, cannot outmanoeuvre Ukrainian engineers and artillery, cannot turn overwhelming numbers into rapid advance.
“This is not a three-day “special operation.” It’s industrial-era attrition. Putin isn’t winning ground, he’s spending lives.
“Politically, he’s cornered. His attempt to charm Donald Trump into pressuring Kyiv to hand over territory failed. Sanctions continue to squeeze Moscow’s economy. Capital is fleeing. His fourth-year war has delivered mass graves, not triumph.
“Pokrovsk isn’t about territory; it’s about illusion. Putin needs momentum, even if it’s fake.”