In a rare public criticism of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a former senior Russian military officer has a frank message: the war will get worse for Russians.
Retired colonel and military commentator Mikhail Khodaryonok discussed the evolving situation in Ukraine on Russian state television - a rare moment for the Kremlin-controlled media that broadcasts to millions of Russians.
He warned Ukraine is about to mass mobilise its soldiers, while Russia spirals into isolation.
"We shouldn't take 'information tranquillisers,' because sometimes information is spread about some moral or psychological breakdown of Ukraine's armed forces, which are allegedly on the verge of some kind of crisis in morale," Khodaryonok told the 60 Minutes talk show on Rossiya-1.
"All of that, to put mildly, is false."
Khodaryonok warned the situation in Ukraine "will get worse" for Russia, as Ukraine could quite possibly arm one million soldiers in the coming months, with the help of Western aid sending weapons to the war-torn country.
He added Russia's position on the world stage is no better, claiming the country is in "full geopolitical isolation". He also warned Russia not to engage in conflict with Finland, which has recently announced plans to join NATO.
"Much as we would hate to admit this, virtually the entire world is against us," Khodaryonok said.
"And it's that situation that we need to get out of."
Russia's full-scale attack in Ukraine has been going on for almost three months, with millions of Ukrainians fleeing the country, while those staying behind risk their lives.
The president of Finland, which shares a 1300 km border with Russia, confirmed on Sunday that his country would apply to join NATO, a major policy shift prompted by Russia's invasion. Sweden's ruling party followed suit.
However, Sweden and Finland need each of NATO's 30 members to approve their applications including Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan who has made it clear he will not support their bids.
