In the Ukraine conflict, many Chechens are fighting on Kiev’s side. For them, the third war against Russia has already begun.
Munich/Kiev – Chechnya has already fought two wars against Russia. The first was between 1994 and 1996, the second from 1999 to 2009. In each case, Russia was able to regain control of a region struggling for independence. Now the Chechens are preparing for the next battle.
Chechnya expects new war against Russia: “This time we will win”
For many it has already started. Many Chechens are already fighting against a hated enemy – namely on the side of Kiev in the conflict in Ukraine. “This is the third Chechen war – this time we will win,” one soldier told a reporter for an American newspaper. Politics. He is one of 150 to 200 volunteers supporting Ukraine. They all distance themselves from fighters for Chechen ruler Ramzan Kadyrov, who side with the Kremlin.
It is not only solidarity with Ukraine that motivates most players to protect Bakmut. They know that they have finally come to fight for Chechnya, it said. If Russia fails in Ukraine, they expect an armed uprising not only in their homeland, but also in the entire Caucasus region, in Dagestan, Ingushetia, North and South Ossetia.
Chechens fighting Ukraine: ‘We’re tired of Russia’
“If Russia loses this war, it will no longer be a country. It’s impossible. It will collapse,” replies one soldier. Still, they hope to win the war in Ukraine. “We’re tired of Russia,” says a Chechen commander. “We want freedom. That’s it. People need freedom.”
Chechens have high hopes for Ukraine’s expected spring offensive. Defeating Russia will not be easy, “but the fight must go on,” says one of the players. Other volunteers from the autonomous republic in the North Caucasus also want revenge for past Russian attacks on their homeland. (MD)
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