August M
A newly released intercepted call is offering a rare, unfiltered glimpse into how some Russians privately view the war in Ukraine. The recording, published by Ukrainian intelligence, captures anger, ridicule and fear that sharply contrast with official messaging from Moscow.
The exchange suggests that trust in the Kremlin’s version of events may be fraying beneath the surface.
Open mockery
According to the Kyiv Post, the intercepted phone conversation was released on Sunday, January 4, by Ukraine’s Military Intelligence (HUR). In the call, a Russian woman openly mocks senior military leaders and dismisses state television claims that the situation is under control.
“On television, they say everything is perfect,” she said. “I watched yesterday — his face is twisted, that [General Valery] Gerasimov, the general… My God, Yulia, look at his face. He has a moronic face, forgive me, Lord!”
Gerasimov is Russia’s chief of the General Staff and one of the main architects of the invasion of Ukraine.
Detached leaders
The woman also derided President Vladimir Putin and his inner circle, portraying them as insulated from reality.
“He’s sitting at the head of the table, Putin is there, all those groomed hangers-on are sitting there, telling everyone that everything is fine,” she said.
She questioned whether Putin truly understands what is happening on the ground and suggested he should witness the war firsthand.
“Putin should put on camouflage, take his security and go incognito, so no one knows who he is,” she said. “Let him go and see what’s really going on.”
Fear of escalation
Beyond anger, the call reveals deep anxiety about the risk of wider war. The woman spoke repeatedly about missiles and retaliation.
“A missile – what is a missile?” she said. “Yulia, we’ll launch, and they’ll launch back at us.”
She warned of catastrophic consequences if escalation continues. “That’s it – that’s the end of the world,” she said.
The comments reflect fears rarely acknowledged in Russian public discourse.
Intelligence message
HUR said the intercepted call highlights the gap between propaganda and private sentiment inside Russia. The agency said accountability for Russia’s actions is unavoidable.
“For every war crime committed against the Ukrainian people, there will be just retribution,” the intelligence service said.
The Kyiv Post noted that such intercepts are regularly published to illustrate internal dissent.
Not an exception
In 2023, the Kyiv Post interviewed “Maria,” a professional eavesdropper who works with intercepted calls. She said the extreme language often surprises outsiders but reflects genuine conversations.
“They all are real even though they might seem insane. Sometimes I can’t believe the words I’m hearing myself, but we have what we have,” she said.
The publication continues to share intercepted conversations as the war drags on.
Sources: Kyiv Post, Ukraine’s Military Intelligence (HUR)
