Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces a new threat from Ramzan Kadyrov, the Chechen leader who has vowed retaliation against Ukraine following a drone strike near his home in Grozny. The strike on November 5 prompted Kadyrov to vow revenge, warning that Ukrainian "fascists" would soon feel a "stern response."
The situation echoes a 2022 plot to infiltrate Kyiv and target Zelenskyy, which was allegedly orchestrated by Chechen units deployed during Russia's invasion of Ukraine. A former government official claimed at the time that there was intense anxiety in Kyiv as Chechens were sent to murder top politicians, including Zelenskyy.
However, since then, Zelenskyy has become better protected and feels more powerful, according to the former official. "Zelensky isn't afraid of Kadyrov's actions against him or the Ukrainian people," they said. "He is feeling very powerful right now."
The Nov 5 drone strike hit a building that houses regional government offices, including the Chechen Security Council and agencies connected to tourism and religious affairs. Kadyrov condemned the attack as making "no tactical sense" but warned of imminent retaliation.
Despite the rhetoric, the former Ukrainian official claimed that Zelenskyy is unfazed this time around. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with both sides engaging in a war of words and military actions.
The US has been urging calm on both sides as diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict continue. However, with Kadyrov's aggressive rhetoric and the increased threat of retaliation, the situation remains volatile.
The situation echoes a 2022 plot to infiltrate Kyiv and target Zelenskyy, which was allegedly orchestrated by Chechen units deployed during Russia's invasion of Ukraine. A former government official claimed at the time that there was intense anxiety in Kyiv as Chechens were sent to murder top politicians, including Zelenskyy.
However, since then, Zelenskyy has become better protected and feels more powerful, according to the former official. "Zelensky isn't afraid of Kadyrov's actions against him or the Ukrainian people," they said. "He is feeling very powerful right now."
The Nov 5 drone strike hit a building that houses regional government offices, including the Chechen Security Council and agencies connected to tourism and religious affairs. Kadyrov condemned the attack as making "no tactical sense" but warned of imminent retaliation.
Despite the rhetoric, the former Ukrainian official claimed that Zelenskyy is unfazed this time around. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with both sides engaging in a war of words and military actions.
The US has been urging calm on both sides as diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict continue. However, with Kadyrov's aggressive rhetoric and the increased threat of retaliation, the situation remains volatile.