Grozny: Chechen Republic President Ramzan Kadyrov has announced plans to deploy up to 80,000 “volunteers” to join Russian forces on the Ukrainian front. This pledge comes amid escalating tensions following a recent Russian drone strike on a military facility in Chechnya.
Kadyrov reacted to the strike with a series of statements on his Telegram channel, where he alleged the use of Ukrainian prisoners of war as human shields, claiming that up to ten Ukrainian detainees have been positioned at strategic sites across the republic, including the Russian Special Forces University. These claims have sparked outrage, as the Geneva Convention expressly prohibits such practices.
In response to the escalating conflict, Kadyrov stated, “In the near future, we will show the Ukrainians a response that will surpass their imagination. We will not let them joke with us. Today, I gave all front-line commanders the following orders. Do not take prisoners. Destroy them and give more than 100 percent in combat so that they understand how the Chechens can still show their military capability.”
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Military analysts are skeptical about the effectiveness of Kadyrov’s force, pointing out that many of his troops lack combat experience and may serve as little more than “cannon fodder” on the front lines.
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