Putin protection officer bravely DEFECTS before delivering brutal assessment of 'war criminal' Russian President

In a brave interview, the former member of Russia's special services directly attacked his former boss and called on others working for Putin to speak out against him.

He said: "I would like to address Russian officers, including the FSO officers.

"You have information that is not broadcast on television. I have only seen a tiny part of it. Come forward, support me.

"You will help our citizens to learn the truth.

"I am sure that you had questions about the Commander-in-Chief's actions before, but the oath forced you not to ask and to smoothly execute his orders.

"However, what is happening now [with the war in Ukraine] is beyond the pale, it defies reason.

"You mustn't follow criminal orders and serve this war criminal, Vladimir Putin. And I consider him a war criminal."

Russia had initially thought it could take control of Ukraine in a matter of just days when it invaded in February last year.

The lack of progress over a year later has left many in the country feeling angry and frustrated at the leadership of Putin.

In an appeal for his former colleagues to also abandon their roles, Karakulov added: "You have to stop following these criminal orders.

"The FSO officers are around the President all the time. You can just go in and indicate that this is a crime.

"It is up to you to stop this madness very quickly. I wish you would do that because it would save many lives."

It is thought more than 200,000 Russian troops have died in the Ukraine conflict since fighting broke out just over a year ago.