Russia's leader in Chechnya, Kadyrov, asserts that peace can only be achieved if Ukraine joins Russia.

In an interview conducted by the state-run agency RIA Novosti, published since Saturday, Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Chechnya, shared his views on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Kadyrov believes that the goals and objectives of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine are aimed at ensuring Russia's security. He expressed his opposition to ending hostilities under the current conditions in the conflict zone, stating that peace can only be achieved if Ukraine becomes a region of Russia.

The Chechen leader has been vocal in his support for Russian military actions in Ukraine and regularly publishes information about the activities of Chechen soldiers, particularly fighters from the Akhmat special unit. In 2022, Kadyrov called for the destruction of Ukrainian cities in response to Ukrainian counterattacks.

One of the published excerpts quotes Kadyrov's doubts about US President Donald Trump's ability to propose a solution to the war in Ukraine that would benefit Russia. He also stated that Trump's meeting with Putin in Alaska was due to Trump being Putin's 'long-time fan and admirer', and that the negotiations were just a pretext for an in-person meeting.

Putin, on the other hand, has stressed that Russia is not seeking Ukraine's capitulation but rather recognition of the 'realities that have developed on the ground'. He previously stated that Russia's sole aim in the military operation is to defend its interests.

The Ukraine Security Service (SBU) announced that some of Kadyrov's statements violated the laws and customs of war applicable to armed conflicts under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. As a result, Kadyrov was formally notified that he was under suspicion of war crimes.

Meanwhile, the future of journalism in the Caucasus region is grim, with independent voices under threat. In response to this, a newsroom powered by readers is being built to help push back against hardliners. Readers are invited to join this community and contribute to the effort.

It is important to note that as of September 2025, no reliable international report exists indicating that the current President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is reasonably suspected of war crimes related to the ongoing conflict with Russia. The accusations against Kadyrov relate to his actions and statements—not to Zelenskyy.

There is ongoing tracking of the rise of authoritarianism in Georgia. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to shape the political landscape of the region, with its effects felt far beyond the conflict zone.

Russia's leader in Chechnya, Kadyrov, asserts that peace can only be achieved if Ukraine joins Russia.