Moscow: A dramatic incident unfolded in Grozny, the capital of Chechnya, as a Ukrainian aircraft-style drone reportedly exploded after hitting a Russian special forces base more than 700 miles from the front lines.
The drone strike targeted the OMON police unit and a base used to deploy troops fighting in Ukraine. Loud explosions were reported in the city, followed by gunfire as attempts were made to neutralize the incoming drones. Witnesses noted the apparent lack of effective air defenses against the slow-moving unmanned aircraft.
This marked the third such attack on Grozny within an 11-day period. The extent of the damage and any casualties remain unclear.
Escalating Tensions Amid Leadership Praise
The incident occurred shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin awarded Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov a “For Services to the Fatherland” honor during a secret Kremlin ceremony. Kadyrov, a staunch Putin ally and colonel-general in the Russian National Guard, has faced Western sanctions for human rights abuses and his support for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Kadyrov has previously demanded enhanced air defense systems for Chechnya, warning of vulnerabilities in protecting the region from such attacks. He also controversially threatened to place Ukrainian prisoners of war on strategic building rooftops to deter strikes by Kyiv’s forces.
Kadyrov’s Expanding Power Base
A report by Proekt, an independent Russian media outlet, revealed that Kadyrov has tripled the size of what is effectively his private army since the war’s onset, establishing at least nine new paramilitary units. No other regional leader in Russia wields such military power.
Kadyrov’s forces, known as “Kadyrovtsy,” were mobilized during the 2023 coup attempt by Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, solidifying his loyalty to Putin. Speculation suggests Kadyrov could leverage his private army to declare Chechnya an independent state if Putin’s regime falters.
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Controversial Policies and Personal Influence
Kadyrov’s governance in Chechnya has been marked by his consolidation of power, often filling key positions with family members and loyalists. Known as “The Don,” the father of 15 from at least three polygamous wives recently appeared in stronger health after rumors of a serious illness.
Over the weekend, Kadyrov demanded the closure of beauty salons in Chechnya, criticizing their advertisements for allegedly showcasing inappropriate images of women. “Beauty salons are posting photos where female models are showing body parts that should not be shown,” he declared.
The drone strike in Grozny underscores the evolving dynamics of the war and the far-reaching implications of Ukraine’s military tactics beyond the battlefield.
