The fifth battalion is already being formed.

Photo: Akhmed Zakayev, head of the government of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria in exile, with a Ukrainian flag during a protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. London, March 5, 2022

The armed structures of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria have begun the process of their revival in Ukraine, now the fifth battalion of fighters is being formed.

This was stated in an interview with Radio Svoboda by the head of the government of Ichkeria in exile, Akhmed Zakayev.

"The document that the State Council of Ukraine adopted on October 18 - first of all, I want to emphasize that this is actually a significant event, an important event, it is a historical event, because the struggle of the Chechen people for their independence has been going on for a long time. And the victims that were, and the genocide that Russia committed against the Chechen people, and the war crimes that were committed on the territory of the Chechen Republic, in many ways, this was done only because the whole world, the civilized world and the international community did not recognize the Chechen people's right to statehood, independence and freedom. And what happened on the 18th - it was Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, represented by the Council and deputies. They confirmed the right of the Chechen people to their statehood, independence, and freedom. That is, the right to life, to live as the Chechen people want."

The situation in Chechnya is complicated. For more than 20 years, the world did not recognize the right of the Chechen people to their freedom and independence. And Russian propaganda and their proteges did everything to stun and zombify the Chechen youth, declaring that the aspiration of the Chechen people was a conspiracy against the Chechens, that they and Kadyrov, Kadyrov Sr., a national collaborator and a national traitor, that they are heroes, that they saved the Chechen people. These people grew up under this propaganda. And today, of course, they can be used very easily.

Although already with the beginning of the military operation, with the beginning of the war in Ukraine and especially with the beginning of the announcement of mobilization, the situation and mood in the Chechen society in Chechnya changed. And especially the situation with the recognition of the Chechen Republic as temporarily occupied by the Ukrainian Soviet has largely changed the attitude of even those whom we used to call "Kadyrovites".

"I visit Kyiv very often because the armed structures of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria have already begun to form here. On February 26, after the start of the aggression, the State De-occupation Committee decided that we would begin to form detachments to send them to support Ukraine to repelling Russian aggression. And since that time, we have continued the process of cooperation with many structures in Ukraine. And, of course, today we are already announcing that four battalions have already been formed and a fifth battalion is being formed. That is, the armed forces of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria are being restored here today. Of course, our stay here is necessary against the backdrop of all the events that are taking place here," he said.

We add that Zakayev received political asylum in London.