The leader of the Russian Republic of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, announced today that a group of fighters has been sent to Ukraine to fight alongside the Russian army. The number of mercenaries sent was not mentioned. The aim is for them to operate in Donbass, a separatist region in eastern Ukraine, which is the current focus of Russia’s actions.
Kadyrov said, “Good luck guys! Be careful, take care of yourself and your fellow travelers! I wish you a quick successful completion of the mission and a safe return to your families!” he wrote.
The video, in which the group appears as they board the plane, has an indication of contacts for those wishing to volunteer. According to the Russian agency RIA, mercenaries receive around R$ 300,000 (about R$ 22,500) on their way to Ukraine and earn about R$ 250 per day.
Despite Russia’s denial, the Ukrainian government believes that Russian forces intend to increase their offensive on May 9, when Victory Day will be celebrated, referring to the Second World War. Today the Russian war in Ukraine has reached its 71st day.
Image: Reproduction
Grozny-Mariupol
Grozny, the capital of Chechnya, suffered the same fate as the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, which was destroyed by Russian bombs. Twenty years later, Chechen refugees in Europe still live in fear of Moscow.
Tens of thousands of people fled Russia’s small Muslim-majority republic after two fierce battles. The last, launched by Vladimir Putin in 1999, brought to power the dreaded Ramzan Kadyrov, a man close to the Kremlin who was accused of brutally suppressing critics. Kadyrov has commanded the region since 2007.
Since the beginning of the Russian offensive on Ukraine, “about a thousand” volunteers sent by Kadyrov have fought alongside the Russians on Ukrainian soil. But there are also Chechens who join the ranks of Ukraine.
(with AFP)
source: Noticias
