Russian Ukraine War Vanguard, Chechen Leader Suddenly Announces Resignation... "Will Take Indefinite Leave"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Ramzan Kadyrov, one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's closest aides and the current leader of the vanguard forces in the Ukraine war, has suddenly expressed his intention to resign. If he actually steps down, it is expected that the Chechen troops at the forefront of the Russian army will largely retreat, causing a significant disruption in military strength. Experts predict that he will not actually resign, as he has previously used resignation threats as a pressure tactic whenever negotiations with the Putin regime were necessary.

According to Russia's TASS news agency on the 4th (local time), Kadyrov posted a video message on his Telegram account stating, "I have been the leader of Chechnya in Russia's North Caucasus for 15 years," and added, "I do not want to stay too long and be hated." He continued, "There is a saying in Chechnya that no matter how respected or long-awaited a guest is, it is better to leave at the right time," and expressed his intention to resign by saying, "I think my time has come before others push me out. I will take an indefinite leave."

Kadyrov is a pro-Russian dictator who became the head of the Chechen Republic in 2007 with the support of the Putin regime. He deployed Chechen troops from the early stages of the Ukraine war and has personally participated in combat. The Chechen forces, known for their extensive combat experience and brutality, have been leading the Russian army at various fronts in Ukraine. President Putin recognized Kadyrov's contributions and promoted him from army major to lieutenant general in early April.

If Kadyrov actually resigns, the Russian military is expected to suffer considerable damage. The UK security think tank Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) stated, "Compared to Kadyrov's statement a few days ago that the Chechen forces were ready to advance across Europe, this appears to be a radical change," and predicted, "His resignation would mean the withdrawal of Chechen troops and could significantly weaken Russian military strength."

However, considering Kadyrov's past pattern of announcing resignation intentions whenever negotiations with the Russian government were needed, there is also speculation that he will not actually step down this time. Ivan Klits, a researcher at the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies in Estonia, said, "This is a typical statement Kadyrov makes when he wants to get something from Putin," interpreting it as a strategy to gain an advantageous position in negotiations with Russia. Kadyrov is known to have demanded financial compensation for the sacrifices of his soldiers as well as economic support for Chechnya from Russia.