Anonymous Russian General Tells Journalist: Moscow Must Seek Peace Before Losses Become Irreplaceable

Key Points from the Interview

An anonymous Russian general, interviewed by journalist Dmitry Kolezev, stated that the front line is stagnant. To capture Donbas, Russia would need to outnumber Ukrainian drones with manpower — recruiting at least 55,000 to 60,000 men per month, which is currently unrealistic. The general also claimed that Putin's teleprompter reading of the front-line situation is inflated by roughly a factor of two, designed to keep U.S. President Donald Trump engaged in negotiations.

Regarding air defense, the general said incompetence allows Ukrainian strikes through: when the Defense Ministry claims it downed 400 targets, the actual number is at least 1,500. In the drone race, Russia may match Ukraine in quantity but not in quality, which is what matters. Breaking the blockade of Crimea is currently impossible because the General Staff is focused on Donbas, making Crimea a lower priority.

The general believes a nuclear strike is a fantasy, but a new mobilization is entirely possible. He noted that Putin is unlikely to negotiate with Ukraine on unfavorable terms, but negotiations are necessary due to an approaching demographic crisis. Replacing losses even at the current rate will soon become impossible. There are six months to a year left to make decisions; after that, the situation will only worsen.

How the Interview Was Conducted

Kolezev, based in Portugal, said he maintains contacts in Russia. A source suggested he reach out to the general, who initially wanted to share details about a specific episode of the war. Kolezev withheld that story but published the general's broader assessments. Kolezev knows the general's identity but cannot reveal it without endangering him. "I have nothing to offer as proof, because doing so would point to the source. Essentially, you can only trust my reputation and the assessments this person gives," he said.

Reactions and Expert Opinions

Blogger Michael Naki said he trusts Kolezev but cannot rule out a "controlled leak" serving Russian propaganda. He found the interview interesting but noted it's impossible to tell what the general knows versus what he guesses. Some viewers questioned a Harry Potter analogy used by the general, doubting a Russian officer would make such a reference. Kolezev clarified the interview was conducted in writing and the source introduced the reference himself.

Writer Ivan Filippov, a researcher of Z-propaganda, said the general's language did not seem unusual. Journalist Nataliya Gevorkyan said she finds such interviews acceptable when done by a trustworthy journalist, and the general spoke clearly and intellectually. Meduza's assessment noted that the interview text gives no clues about the general's position, making it impossible to gauge his competence. However, his distrust of superiors mirrors sentiments seen in leaked communications and reports from war correspondents.