Tensions have escalated following a Ukrainian drone attack on Grozny, the capital of Chechnya, a Muslim-majority, semi-autonomous Russian republic. Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has publicly announced that the republic will deliver a severe response to Ukraine for the strike.
International media reported that a Ukrainian drone hit a tall building in Grozny on Friday, causing partial structural damage. According to Chechen officials, the attack resulted in no reported casualties.
In a strong statement released on the Telegram messaging app, Ramzan Kadyrov condemned the attack on civilian infrastructure as unjustified. He warned Ukraine, stating that “Ukrainian fascists will feel a harsh response to this attack for a week” starting tomorrow. However, Kadyrov maintained a distinction, asserting that Chechnya would not conduct “cowardly attacks” on peaceful targets, unlike the perpetrators of the Grozny strike.
Kadyrov has been one of the most vocal supporters of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has deployed Chechen forces to the conflict zone. The attack on Grozny signifies the widening geographical scope of the war, as Ukrainian drones have previously targeted military facilities within Chechnya, including police barracks and a training academy.
