Kadyrov’s Chechen Military Units Double Since Russian Invasion of Ukraine

The number of military units loyal to Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov more than doubled since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to an investigative report by Russian media Proekt published on December 11.

Before 2022, Kadyrov commanded 7 battalions, regiments, and rapid response units formally under Russia’s National Guard and Interior Ministry. Collectively referred to as the ‘Kadyrovtsy,’ these units have long been a significant force in Chechnya.

Since the start of the Russian invasion, Kadyrov reportedly established 10 additional units. Eight of these are officially under the control of Russia’s Defense Ministry, while the remaining 2 are under the National Guard.

In November, Kadyrov intended to deploy 84,000 residents from the republic to the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine.

Earlier in October, Kadyrov claimed that Chechnya had 70,000 fully equipped and armed soldiers under his leadership.

“Only an important nuance – Kadyrov’s loyal units are standing in Grozny [Chechen capital], while the new recruits are dying at the front [in Ukraine],” the Proekt report stated.

The report also highlights that Kadyrov gained control of 2 more National Guard regiments during the war by appointing commanders loyal to him. The total number of soldiers in these units remains undisclosed.

Previously, a drone attacked the barracks of the Akhmat Police Special Regiment in Grozny, wounding 4 Chechen soldiers.