It is likely that around 9,000 personnel are currently serving in pro-russian Chechen units in Ukraine, the UK Defense Intelligence reports.
Pro-russian Chechen forces have been fighting in Ukraine since 2014. Additional Chechen formations were dispatched to Ukraine at the beginning of russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. However, suffering initial heavy losses, Chechen units became largely relegated to conducting rear area security operations and became derided as TikTok troops for their social media antics. Since the withdrawal of russia’s Wagner Group company from the frontlines from May 2023, Chechen units have been pressed back into frontline service.
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It is likely that Chechen special forces units bear the brunt of frontline fighting, whilst the bulk of Chechen forces continue to conduct rear area security operations. Besides providing personnel, Chechnya’s other key contribution to russia’s war against Ukraine is in providing training for russian personnel. The russian Special Forces University in Gudermes, Chechnya, has provided training for around 42,000 russian personnel since 2022, according to Chechnya’s leadership. However, it is likely personnel only receive up to 10 days training at the university, bringing the effectiveness of the training and institution into doubt.
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