A Russian governor has said the country was not prepared for the war with Ukraine and that the invasion was not in Russia's interests, contradicting Kremlin propaganda.
Natalya Komarova, who has run the energy-rich Khanty-Mansi autonomous district in Russia's north since 2010, made the comment during a meeting with constituents that was broadcast live on her social-media page.
When asked by one resident why her husband was shipped off to the war without a backpack with equipment, Komarova snapped back that the military was in charge of such issues, not her.
She continued that the authorities were not prepared for the war and that "we don't need it."
President Vladimir Putin launched the invasion of Ukraine on the assumption that Russian forces would take the country in a few days.
Now, 20 months later, Russia has captured only a small portion of Ukraine at enormous human and financial costs.
Public criticism of the war, especially by officials, is rare after Putin outlawed it last year. Russian authorities have already arrested hundreds for violating the law.
However, Komarova's off-the-cuff remark indicates that behind the veneer of support, some of Russia's elite believe the war was a mistake and are frustrated with the consequences.
Her remarks were quickly picked up by media and now at least one resident has filed a complaint to the Interior Ministry, accusing her of discrediting the Russian military.
Komarova's office did not immediately comment on the complaint.