MOSCOW: In a surprising turn of events, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has announced his readiness to assist in quelling the mutiny led by Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin. Kadyrov stated that his forces were prepared to employ harsh methods if required to restore order.
In a statement shared on Telegram, Kadyrov condemned Prigozhin’s actions as a “knife in the back” and called on Russian soldiers to resist any provocations. He affirmed that Chechen units were mobilizing towards areas of tension and pledged to protect Russia’s military units and defend the country’s statehood.
Kadyrov, a staunch ally of President Vladimir Putin, commands a substantial military force in Chechnya. Previously, he had been seen as an ally of Prigozhin, with both sharing some criticisms of the Russian military hierarchy. However, recent developments saw Chechen commanders aligned with Kadyrov expressing dissatisfaction with Prigozhin’s repeated criticisms of the defense ministry.
Wagner Fighters Take Control of Streets of Rostov-on-Don
Following Prigozhin’s attempt to seize control of the southern city of Rostov-on-Don as part of a bid to oust the military leadership, Putin pledged to crush the mutiny. This marked the first armed insurrection in Russia since the Chechen wars of past decades. Wagner militia fighters, heavily armed, had taken control of the streets of Rostov-on-Don, a city with a population of over a million and located near the Ukrainian border.
Kadyrov’s offer of support in suppressing the mutiny adds a new dynamic to the ongoing situation. With his extensive military capabilities and close relationship with Putin, Kadyrov’s involvement could have significant implications for the outcome of the mutiny and the stability of the region.
