Chechen Republic President Ramzan Kadyrov: I Will Send 80,000 Volunteers to Fight Alongside the Russian Army in Ukraine

Following North Korea’s recent offer to support Russia with troops, another ally has stepped forward to aid President Putin on the battlefield. Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov announced on his Telegram account that he will deploy 80,000 volunteers to the front lines in Ukraine to assist Russian forces.

Kadyrov’s response came after a recent attack on a Russian military school in Chechnya, allegedly targeted by Ukrainian drones. Blaming Ukraine for the incident, he claimed he used Ukrainian prisoners of war as human shields, stating that up to ten detainees are stationed at each strategic facility across the republic, including the Russian Special Forces University. It is worth noting that the Geneva Convention explicitly prohibits this practice.

In his message, Kadyrov warned of a forthcoming response to Ukraine, stating, “In the near future, we will deliver a reaction beyond their imagination. We won’t let them mock us. Today, I have issued direct orders to all front-line commanders: Do not take prisoners. Destroy them and give more than 100 percent in the fight so they understand the military strength Chechens can still demonstrate.”

Military experts argue, however, that Kadyrov’s forces lack combat experience and will likely serve as “cannon fodder” in the conflict.