UK spy chief reveals that Russian troops are damaging their own equipment and disobeying orders in Ukraine.

• On Wednesday, newly declassified U.S. intelligence disclosed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is displeased with his military leaders due to their withholding of vital information about the invasion, out of fear of upsetting him.
• This week, Russian officials declared they would reduce their military operations near Kyiv and Chernihiv, a statement that has sparked doubt in the West.

The head of Britain's intelligence agency stated on Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has misjudged the situation in Ukraine, but his advisors are afraid to tell him the truth about what's happening on the ground.

According to Jeremy Fleming, director of U.K. intelligence agency GCHQ, it seems that Putin has greatly underestimated the situation, as it is evident that he misjudged the strength of the Ukrainian people's resistance.

Fleming stated that Putin's conflict in Ukraine is a personal war, and he underestimated the economic consequences of the sanctions regime and Russia's military capabilities.

Russian soldiers, lacking weapons and morale, have been refusing to follow orders, damaging their own equipment, and mistakenly shooting down their own aircraft, according to him.

Despite our belief that Putin's advisors are hesitant to inform him the truth, the situation and the magnitude of these errors must be evident to the regime.

No Russian government spokesperson was reachable for comment when CNBC tried to contact them.

Fleming did not provide any information on how GCHQ or British intelligence officials obtained knowledge about Putin's inner circle's feelings regarding relaying invasion details to the Russian leader. Fleming's remarks were made following the release of newly declassified U.S. intelligence on Wednesday, which disclosed that Putin feels he has been deceived by Russia's military leaders, who withheld critical information about the invasion from him out of fear of his wrath.

The lack of communication about the true situation led to ongoing tension between Putin and his military leaders, as stated by White House communications director Kate Bedingfield to reporters.

Although everything, Fleming stated on Thursday that Putin was still attempting to execute his plan to gain more territory in Ukraine.

"However, his Plan B has resulted in increased brutality against civilians and cities," he stated.

This week, Russian officials declared they would reduce their military operations near Kyiv and Chernihiv, a statement that has sparked doubt in the West.

Fleming stated that it appeared as though they were compelled to make a substantial alteration. However, they subsequently launched assaults in both locations. The situation may involve mixed signals or intentional misinformation; we must wait and observe.