What Is The Role Of Chechen Fighters In The Invasion Of Ukraine- 27 February 2022 01:12 (GMT+2)
Chechnya is a largely autonomous constituent republic of the Russian Federation, located in the Caucasus region. The area is inhabited by the ethnic Chechen people who are almost exclusively Muslim, speak the Chechen language and have long strived for self determination, culminating in two devastating wars with Russia. The area is known for its strong nationalist sentiment, ruthless war tactics and powerful warlords. The republic is headed by Putin's close(st) ally Ramzan Kadyrov, to whom the Kadyrovtsy militia force is loyal. As a result, this force is now loyal to Russia and willing to fight in Ukraine,
According to the BBC, not only are there elite Chechen fighters actively operating in Ukraine, Kadyrov was fully aware of the upcoming invasion and contributed to its planning. Unconfirmed (at time of writing) reports from local sources mention that Chechnyan fighters have crashed near Hostomel airport, the site of many clashes between the Russian and Ukrainian armies. This has been denied by Kadyrov. The news came amid heavy shelling in Kiyv and possible paratrooper deployment, according to diplomat Olexander Scherba on twitter, who proceeded to delete his tweet. Whether a number of fighters has died and how many remains speculation, however, they certainly are taking part in hostilities.
Chechnya has been in near constant conflict since the collapse of the USSR, which combined with the intense militant culture and Islamic belief of martyrdom, makes them a highly skilled, extremely efficient, uninhibited and dangerous force to be reckoned with. Worth noting is the involvement of Chechens in the 2014 Crimean War, fighting in favour of Ukraine and against Russia, as part of the Dzhokhar Dudayev Battalion. As a result, it is possible for a repeat of 2014, with Chechen forces fighting on both sides of the war and even each other. While the attention of the world is -rightfully- on the atrocities being committed in Ukraine, it is worth examining the bigger picture of perhaps this war resulting in a more destabilised Russia than ever before, internally as well as internationally.