Chechen leader Kadyrov admits high losses among unit in Ukraine

Chechen chief Kadyrov stated 23 of his fighters had been killed and 58 others wounded in artillery shelling by Ukraine.

Re-elected head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov attends an inauguration ceremony in Grozny, Russia, on October 5, 2021 [File: Chingis Kondarov/Reuters]

In a uncommon acknowledgement of battlefield woes in Ukraine, Chechen chief Ramzan Kadyrov has admitted to excessive losses in his ranks after artillery shelling by Kyiv’s troops.

“Originally of this week, one of many Chechen items was shelled within the Kherson area,” Kadyrov, a outstanding ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the ruler of the Chechen Republic, stated on Telegram late on Thursday.

“Twenty-three fighters have died and 58 have been injured.”

The Kremlin ally not often reveals defeats however admitted that losses amongst his fighters, who're supporting Russia, had been “massive on that day”.

Ukrainian sources had reported earlier this week that a Chechen unit within the southern Ukrainian area of Kherson had given away its location through photographs on social networks, which led to it being hit by artillery hearth.

Kadyrov’s feedback had been uncommon provided that pro-Moscow forces have not often admitted to main battlefield losses, and Russian officers don't publish figures on their very own casualties.

The Chechen chief additionally referred to as on his compatriots to be mobilised for the battle in Ukraine.

For the reason that starting of the Russian battle greater than eight months in the past, Kadyrov has distinguished himself as one of many fiercest supporters of the battle and has additionally despatched his personal items into Ukraine.

However he has repeatedly criticised the Russian military management – typically in conjunction with the financier of the mercenary Wagner items, Yevgeny Prigozhin, for being too gentle. Kadyrov has additionally referred to as for using nuclear weapons towards Ukraine.

In the meantime, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in contrast his nation’s battle towards Russia with the Nazi resistance in World Battle II, saying Moscow is pursuing the identical targets as Nazism as soon as did.

“The type of evil has modified, however the essence is unchanged,” Zelenskyy stated in a video message broadcast in Kyiv on Thursday evening.

Russia, he stated, had gone from neighbour to aggressor to terrorist – and was responsible of battle crimes.