A retired Russian general has harshly criticized President Vladimir Putin's administration, saying the military operation in Ukraine was losing in both strategic and information warfare and causing a historic isolation of the country.

Retired Colonel General Leonid Ivashov said in an online interview with a publisher earlier this month that a major miscalculation was made in the initial stage of the operation, which has obviously stalled. Ivashov also said Russia has already lost in a geopolitical sense, and has been defeated in information and psychological warfare.

He went on to criticize Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, noting that military schools and training always instruct not to underestimate the enemy, adding that there has not been a single professional defense minister in the past 20 years.

Ivashov said Russia has never been more isolated. He added that Putin should heed the advice of wise counsel. He called for Putin to apologize and appoint people who opposed the operation to key government posts.

The interview brought mixed reactions on the publisher's website. Some agreed with Ivashov, saying warnings not to invade were ignored and now young lives are being lost. Others disagreed, saying Russia would have been pounded by Western nations if the country had not gone into action. They called Ivashov's claims outdated and absurd.

Ivashov said in February as an old influential officer that Russia should avoid a war that no one needs.