Chechen fighters turn their sights from Syria to Ukraine

To consolidate its control over the last remaining rebel-held region, for years the group has been systematically co-opting the armed factions operating in its territories and eliminating those who resist.

The group initially targeted rival factions such as Ahrar al-Sham but it then moved to target groups that do not blindly follow its command. Some organisations, including Ajnad Al Kavkaz, took the easy way out and suspended operations early, while others, like Junud Al Sham, initially resisted and only submitted when the threat of direct confrontation with HTS became imminent.

Either way, Chechen fighters were not allowed to do what they moved to Syria for — to fight against Russia.

An attractive alternative

Meanwhile, several conditions made the Ukrainian war an attractive alternative for Chechen fighters. For starters, Ukraine allows Chechen fighters to battle the Russians directly.

Indeed, Chechens' desire to fight Russia is more compelling than the religious and ideological differences they have with the Ukrainian government. The historical grievances of dispossession and suppression by Russia have made resisting Moscow a top priority — wherever that might be.

Second, Ukraine's welcoming attitude toward foreign fighters has made relocation easy. Unlike in 2014, Ukrainian authorities are more willing to cooperate with foreign volunteers due to the higher stakes involved.

Unlike in 2014, when Russia forcibly annexed Crimea, Ukrainian authorities today are more willing to cooperate with foreign volunteers, and that includes battle-hardened Chechens with experience fighting Russian forces on hot frontlines or in enemy territory.

Finally, according to Abdulhakim Shishani (a.k.a. Rustam Azhiyev), the Ukrainian authorities consider them allies and allow them to stay legally.

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Chechen fighters have even signed a deal with the Ukrainian authorities that allows them to create an all-Chechen brigade that reports directly to the Ministry of Defence.

The presence of Chechen fighters on the ground in Ukraine has also made it easier for their fellow citizens to access the country. That was evident in Abdulhakim's experience, who was able to travel from Turkey to Ukraine with the help of his Chechen contacts he had there.

To increase their capacity further, the Chechen brigades are reportedly working on convincing the Ukrainian authorities to facilitate the entry of their fellow countrymen from Syria and Turkey, among other places.

While the participation of those skilled fighters in the war might be useful for Ukraine, Kyiv's welcoming attitude will not last forever due to ideological differences and security concerns.

When that happens, Ukraine will not be the end of Chechens' mission. As the Syrian case demonstrates, Chechen fighters are willing to align themselves with almost any party — as long as Russia is the common enemy.