Russian Soldiers Admit Putin Is 'Incorrect', Warn 'We'll Rise Against Him'

Captured Russian soldiers have slammed President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, calling his actions “incorrect,” according to an exclusive interview.

Speaking to journalists from CNN, a Russian officer and fighter-bomber pilot, whose first name is Maxim, said he had only received a “secret” order the day before Putin announced his invasion of Ukraine. At the time, Putin claimed he wanted to “de-Nazify” Ukraine. However, Maxim said he never saw any Nazis or fascists while carrying out his mission.

“Putin and his circle need this in order to achieve their own objectives. One such step was that it would be beneficial for them to spread disinformation about fascism and Nazism,” Maxim told the journalists. "It's hard to give a direct assessment of his actions. But, at the bare minimum, judging by the consequences of his orders, he is incorrect."

Several other captured soldiers who talked to the publication also urged Putin to stop the “terror acts” in Ukraine, noting that the attacks are destroying cities where civilians were living.

"I want to tell our commander-in-chief to stop terror acts in Ukraine because when we come back we'll rise against him,” the soldiers said.

At the time the interview was conducted, the soldiers and the journalists were placed in a room along with members of the Ukrainian Security Services. However, authorities did not direct or interject during the interview. The prisoners also did not appear to be under any physical restraint, CNN noted.

During the interview, Maxim, along with two other pilots, also said they were receiving medical treatment and food under Ukrainian custody. They added that they have been given the opportunity to call home.

The testimony comes as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has entered its fourth week. Putin first announced his “special military operations” in Ukraine on Feb. 24. Since then, approximately 1,000 Russian troops have been captured and detained by Ukrainian forces, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.

American intelligence also estimated that Russians have lost about 7,000 soldiers over the past three weeks. Four top-ranking Russian generals have also been killed in the conflict. The Russian toll could still increase should U.S. leaders supply lethal weapons to Ukraine.