European Chechens explain motives for fighting for Ukraine

Natives of Chechnya, living in Europe, said that Diaspora members want to help Ukraine stop hostilities. At the same time, the foreigners who come to fight for Ukraine risk being prosecuted for mercenarism.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on February 26, the head of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, announced that Chechen fighters had left for Ukraine to perform Vladimir Putin's orders and protect the Ukrainian people.

Chechens in Europe believe that hostilities in Ukraine must be stopped, said Khusein Iskhanov, the head of the "Ichkeria"* cultural association in Austria.

"Chechens cannot be for the war in Ukraine, because we had survived two wars and perfectly understand the civilian population, which has stayed without supplies of gas and water, and without foodstuffs, including the sick and the elderly," he said.

If European Chechens go to fight on the side of Ukraine, it only means that they want to protect their families, Mr Iskhanov believes.

However, according to his story, the readiness of Chechen volunteers to fight in Ukraine has already led to negative comments in Austria from a local politician who said that "thousands of Chechen jihadists are going to fight in Ukraine."

The participation of "Kadyrov people" in the special operation in Ukraine is aimed at "driving a wedge between Ukrainians and Chechens," believes Ibragim Nikarkho, a Chechen refugee living in Austria.