In an online post on August 10, 2023, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov acknowledged the efforts of the Chechen Vostok Akhmat Battalion in the heavily contested Orikhiv sector in Zaporizhzhia region, the UK Defense Intelligence reports.
Kadyrov’s comments highlighted the continuing role of one of the premier Chechen units in this key area. Vostok officially comes under the command of the Southern Military District’s 42nd Motor Rifle Division which has been active around the village of Robotyne.
Read more: The UK Defense Intelligence: Ukrainian Forces Engage in Small-Scale Combat Along Dnipro River
Chechen forces comprise a relatively small but high-profile component of russian forces in Ukraine. Kadyrov likely heavily promotes his units’ roles partially to burnish his credentials as a Putin loyalist.
Read more: The UK Defense Intelligence: the Wagner Group Is Likely to Change Funding Sources
