Strongman leader of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov has threatened to “finish” Ukrainians if they don’t surrender in chilling footage.
Kadyrov, who is President Putin’s ally, warned that he was in Ukraine with Russian forces on Monday (March 14).
The warlord, who has been accused of serious human rights violations in the Caucasus Republic by several international organisations, uploaded a video of himself on the Telegram app where he issued the stark threat.
In the clip, he could be seen analysing plans placed around a table with troops in the room, which he says was filmed in Hotomel, an airfield located near Kyiv which was captured by Russian forces in the first few days of their attack.
The information has not been independently verified, reports News AU.
Kadyrov wrote: “The other day we were about 20km from you Kyiv Nazis and now we are even closer.”
He then demanded that Ukrainian forces surrender “or you will be finished”.
“We will show you that Russian practice teaches warfare better than foreign theory and the recommendations of military advisers,” he added.
According to reports, it has been suggested that Chechen soldiers could play a vital role in helping Russia seize Kyiv, with mercenaries from Russia’s Wagner Group.
Kadyrov has boasted about his troops strength and said Ukrainian forces are “fleeing” when they are confronted with his fighters, reports I News.
According to Russia Today, Kadyrov said: “Members of the Ukrainian armed forces and national battalions, who have always bragged about their courage, flee when they see the Chechen fighters, leaving behind heavy weapons and military equipment.
“Full military coordination, the correct deployment of troops and a decisive assault – that’s all we need. We must finish what we started and do it quickly.
“Since [the Ukrainians] have twice refused to negotiate we must change tactics. That will convince them.”