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‘Particularly Tough’ – Russia’s Avdiivka Assault Contained, More Forces Incoming


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Russian milbloggers concede Moscow’s forces have made no recent gains in their attempt to take the town. A Kyiv official said Putin’s plans in Donetsk “have failed.”

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Russian Overnight Drone Attack Thwarted in Odesa Region


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The attack persisted for over three and a half hours and involved kamikaze drones deployed from the occupied Crimea towards the port infrastructure in the Odesa region.

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Pakistan“s Imran Khan indicted in official secrets case – party


2023-10-23T07:05:33Z

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan speaks with Reuters during an interview, in Lahore, Pakistan March 17, 2023. REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro/File Photo

A Pakistani court indicted former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his deputy in an official secrets acts case on Monday, his party said, in another blow for the jailed former cricket star ahead of a general election expected in January.

The charge is related to a classified cable sent to Islamabad by Pakistan’s ambassador in Washington early last year, which Khan is accused of making public.

Khan denies that and said its contents appeared in the media from other sources.

A special court indicted Khan and his party’s deputy leader, former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Quershi, his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) told media, adding that the case would begin on Friday. It said it would challenge the indictment.

Khan said the cable was proof of a U.S. conspiracy to push the Pakistani military to oust him in a parliamentary vote in 2022 because he had visited Moscow just before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Both the United States and the Pakistani military deny that.

Khan was forced from office after losing the 2022 no-confidence vote and he then led protests against the government to push for an early general election, and against the military, which he accused of trying to sideline him.

The military, which has ruled directly for significant periods and wielded influence over civilian governments, denied that.

Khan has had dozens of legal cases filed against him, which he has denounced as an effort to banish him from politics. He has been convicted in one graft case and sentenced to three years in jail.

The sentence was suspended but he remains in prison in connection with other cases, including instigating violence and the official secrets case.

A guilty verdict under the Official Secrets Act could bring up to 14 years in prison or even a death sentence, lawyers say.

Khan’s party said Monday’s hearing took place on the premises of Adyala Jail, near Islamabad, where Khan is being held, with no media or public access.

Khan is disqualified from the upcoming general election because of the graft conviction but his legal team is pushing for him to be released on bail before the vote.

Khan’s old rival, three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif, launched his party’s election campaign on Saturday after arriving home from four years of self-imposed exile, promising to tackle inflation.

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Putin blindsided by Israel attack with no idea what to do next


“It’s not too late to make decisions. We still have the opportunity to assess political decisions and help Ukraine succeed. Once this gap in support for Ukraine is bridged, we will address the remaining issues,” said Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, speaking today at a meeting organised in Rome by the Institute of International Affairs. During his speech, Landsbergis noted that long-term support for Ukraine will contribute to building a new security architecture for a credible and resilient Europe in the face of threats. “Lithuania is convinced,” the minister said, “that Ukraine‘s victory is crucial for stabilising international relations, as it would help put an end to the chaos caused by Russia‘s international agenda.” Throughout the day, Landsbergis also met with representatives from Leonardo S.p.A., discussing their collaboration with Lithuania in the defence sector.

President Zelensky’s latest update:

Todayu2019s main focus is on the defense of Odesa and the entire south: from the Danube to the Great Odesa ports. Our Black Sea export must be protected.

The world recognises Ukraine‘s role as a global food security guarantor. And the world supports Ukraineu2019s efforts to maintain andu2026 pic.twitter.com/5kPQ8ilYnC

u2014 Volodymyr Zelenskyy / u0412u043eu043bu043eu0434u0438u043cu0438u0440 u0417u0435u043bu0435u043du0441u044cu043au0438u0439 (@ZelenskyyUa) October 13, 2023

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna met his Latvian counterpart, Krisjanis Karins, in Tallinn today. During the meeting, the two ministers reaffirmed their countries’ support for Ukraine, agreeing that the proper implementation of sanctions against Russia, combating their evasion, and establishing an international tribunal for crimes of aggression are the current top priorities.

The recent Russian offensive in Donbass “is not a surprise,” said the spokesperson for the US National Security Council, John Kirby, stating that Moscow appears to be using “human waves” of “poorly trained” soldiers and that the US has confidence in Ukraine‘s ability to repel these attacks.

Speaking at the University of Beijing, EU High Representative Josep Borrell said: “We are not asking China to adopt the same viewpoint as the EU. However, we believe it is essential that China makes a greater effort to convince the Ukrainian people that China is not an ally of Russia in this war. Why doesn’t China step up its humanitarian assistance to Ukraine?”

“China could, for instance,” he continued, “propose a high-profile cultural initiative to the Ukrainian people, whose historical and cultural heritage is ruthlessly destroyed by Russia. This would enhance China’s image in Europe. It would significantly improve China’s image in Ukraine. Moreover, such gestures would put China in a good position to contribute to Ukraine‘s reconstruction. In Ukraine, China’s interests differ from those of Russia,” he concluded.

John Kirby, the spokesperson for the US National Security Council, reported in a briefing with a select group of journalists that North Korea has provided weapons to Russia for the conflict in Ukraine. Kirby mentioned “over a thousand containers” containing military equipment and ammunition that arrived in Russia by ship. He added that Pyongyang is seeking military assistance from Russia in return, and US intelligence has detected Russian ships unloading containers in North Korea that “might” contain military material.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reassured his Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, about Washington’s intention to continue supporting Kiev amid the new crisis arising from the conflict in Gaza. “During our phone call, Secretary Blinken reaffirmed: the United States remains focused on aiding Ukraine in countering Russian aggression. Diplomatic, military, and financial support will continue. We both condemned Hamas’s attack on Israel, discussed the conflict dynamics, and its implications for global security,” Kuleba wrote on the social media platform X.

“The Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, and I are having an intense day in Odessa, dedicated to global security issues,” wrote Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Telegram. “A new Dutch decision has been made to strengthen Ukraine‘s air defence,” he added. “We discussed our possible further initiatives regarding the F-16 coalition, where the Netherlands plays a leading role, and other aspects of defense cooperation.”

“We also discussed strengthening sanctions against Russia,” continued the Ukrainian President. “We believe it is necessary to take additional measures much more quickly to limit Russia‘s ability to finance this war.”

zelensky and rutteZelensky and Rutte met in Odessa today (Image: Getty)

Together with @MinPres, we visited Odesa military hospital to meet with our wounded warriors and medics.

I thank Mark for paying respect to our heroes and stating that this visit confirmed what he always believed: that Ukraine will prevail.

Our greatest strength is our people. pic.twitter.com/tHQICOMNoy

u2014 Volodymyr Zelenskyy / u0412u043eu043bu043eu0434u0438u043cu0438u0440 u0417u0435u043bu0435u043du0441u044cu043au0438u0439 (@ZelenskyyUa) October 13, 2023

Putin has dismissed as “nonsense” the idea that Moscow could be behind the damages to the gas pipeline connecting Estonia and Finland, which were reported in recent days. “These statements are only aimed at covering up the terrorist attack committed by the West against Nord Stream,” Putin said, accusing Western countries of the mysterious explosions that damaged the pipelines connecting Russia to Germany through the Baltic Sea in September last year, amidst international tensions due to the invasion of Ukraine. The identity behind the alleged sabotage of Nord Stream remains unknown.

Andriy Yermak, head of President Volodymyr Zelensky‘s office claimed “The Russians have heavily engaged” in Avdiivka.

He wrote on Telegram: “Avdiivka. Our land, a Ukrainian city. The Russians have heavily engaged in this area. They are using phosphorus.

“Our army is holding strong in tough battles. We all need to remember that the war is ongoing. The enemy’s goal remains the same: to kill us all. The Russians do not value their people; they rely on numbers.”

Ukrainian special forces have claimed responsibility for detonating a Russian train in the occupied city of Melitopol, effectively blocking the supply line for ammunition and fuel to Moscow’s forces on the Zaporizhzhia front. Ukrainska Pravda reported, “Today, a unit from the Resistance Movement of Special Operations Forces successfully carried out an operation in the temporarily occupied city of Melitopol. Thanks to the sabotage action by our men, a railway line was blown up at 7:30am. The explosion damaged a track and a train carrying ammunition and fuel for the Russian army,” said the special forces.

Vladimir Putin has signed off a series of measures aiming to stabilise the weakened ruble.

The new ruling will impact 43 different groups of foreign traders including companies working in grain production as well as metallurgy, fuel and energy, and chemical industries.

The organisations targeted by this executive order will need to swap 80 percent of the foreign currencies received in revenue for exported goods for rubles.

Two people were injured in Kherson as a result of the bombardment of the outskirts of the Ukrainian city by Russian forces. Roman Mrochko, the head of the city’s military administration, reported this, as cited by Ukrinform. The victims, a 42-year-old woman and a 52-year-old man, were inside their home during the attacks. According to doctors, their conditions are not critical.

The missile cruiser Buyan and the ship Pavel Derzhavin were reportedly targeted today by Ukrainian Sea Baby drones in the port of Sevastopol in Crimea, in a joint operation of the Security Services (SBU) and the Ukrainian Navy, as reported by SBU sources cited by RBC Ukraine. Buyan is a ship from which Kalibr missiles are launched against Ukraine. Earlier this morning, the Telegram channel Crimean Wind reported that Buyan had exploded in Sevastopol Bay. The channel also shared images of a military helicopter flying over the port, allegedly evacuating the injured and the bodies of sailors killed in the attack. As for Pavel Derzhavin, the ship was hit today after having struck a mine yesterday. Dmytro Pletenchuk, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Navy, told Ukrinform that the ship was hit for a second time today and has moved away from the incident site.

Russian Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev on Telegram: “More than a million citizens in Gaza urgently need to evacuate to the southern part of the Strip as per the request of the Israeli army. All Western partners are shamefully silent. I wonder what their reaction would be if a similar request were made to the Kiev regime to evacuate a major city.”

week ago14:04 Richard Ashmore

A Russian journalist who condemned Vladimir Putin’s war in an iconic speech live on air has been hospitalised in France, with investigators believing she may have been poisoned.

Marina Ovsyannikova called emergency services after suddenly falling ill as she left her Paris apartment and said she suspected she was poisoned, the Paris prosecutor’s office said.

Marina OvsyannikovaMarina Ovsyannikova has allegedly been poisoned (Image: AP)

week ago13:23 Richard Ashmore

The CEO of a huge international bank has said “This may be the most dangerous time the world has seen in decades”.

JP Morgan Chase’s third quarter profit soared 35% from last year, fueled by a rapid rise in interest rates, but the bank’s CEO, Jamie Dimon, issued a sobering statement about the current state of world affairs and economic instability.

Dimon laid out a laundry list of major issues: the RussiaUkraine War, the new war between Israel and the Palestinians in Gaza, high levels of government debt and deficits, high inflation, as well as the tight labor market, where worker demands for increased wages has led to high-profile strikes in manufacturing and entertainment.

week ago12:48 Richard Ashmore

Russian President Vladimir Putin has made his first trip abroad since being indicted by the International Criminal Court in March.

On Friday the dictator called on an alliance of former Soviet states to expand relations with non-Western countries.

In an address to the Commonwealth of Independent States summit in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Putin also defended Russia‘s invasion of Ukraine as an attempt to prevent war and blamed the United States as an integral cause of the current war between Israel and Hamas fighters.

His comments did not break ground but the trip was significant as his first venture outside Russia and the occupied territories of Ukraine after the ICC indictment for alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

The indictment would oblige any country that is party to the ICC to arrest him on their soil.

The CIS consists of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan and Armenia. Tajikistan has acceded to the ICC; Armenia, which recently approved joining the court, did not participate in the summit amid rising disputes with Russia.

PutinPutin in Kyrgyzstan today (Image: AP )

week ago12:06 Richard Ashmore

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier addressed the Joint Expeditionary Conference.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he said that he “stressed the need for geopolitical stability in Europe and the entire Euro-Atlantic, new forms of cooperation, and strengthening of existing ones”.

“If an enemy of freedom has significant resources and boundless cynicism – like Russia, Hamas, or other terrorists – then free nations need a really full-scale defence.

“Fast, flexible, not limited by outdated procedures, and one that can be maintained as long as it is needed.”

Ukraine, being on the road to Nato, is developing a system of security guarantees. And I thank those of you who joined us in this process. Geopolitical stability is the basic element for all other forms of stability.”

Volodymyr ZelenskyVolodymyr Zelensky said Russia and Hamas were terrorists (Image: Getty )

week ago10:50 Richard Ashmore

Russian authorities have raided the homes of three lawyers representing imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny and detained one of them, the politician’s allies said.

The move against his lawyers on Friday is an attempt to “completely isolate Navalny,” his ally Ivan Zhdanov said on social media.

Navalny has been behind bars since January 2021, serving a 19-year prison sentence, but has been able to get messages out regularly and keep up with the news.

The raids targeting Vadim Kobzev, Igor Sergunin and Alexei Liptser are part of a criminal case on charges of participating in an extremist group, Zhdanov said. All three were detained after the search, apparently as suspects in the case, Navalny’s team said on Telegram.

According to Leonid Volkov, Navalny’s chief of staff, the case against the lawyers comes at a time when the opposition leader is set to be transferred to a different penal colony, “unclear where.” Volkov, who is living abroad, called it a “scary step.”

Alexei NavalnyAlexei Navalny at a previous hearing (Image: AP )

week ago10:31 Richard Ashmore

Terrorism “must not prevail” in Ukraine or Israel, Rishi Sunak has told a summit of northern European nations in Sweden.

The Prime Minister is on the Baltic island of Gotland for a UK-led defence grouping, where the war in Ukraine and the escalating crisis in Israel and Gaza will top the agenda.

The 10-strong Joint Expeditionary Force gathering had been expected to see the leaders focus on the threat from Russia as the war in Ukraine heads into another winter.

The invasion has focused minds in northern European about the threat posed by Vladimir Putin, with a fresh emphasis placed on security co-operation in the region.

While security and support for Ukraine is still set to dominate discussions, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressing leaders on Friday, the conflict raging in the Middle East has overshadowed the meeting.

Rishi SunakRishi Sunak at the Baltic summit (Image: Getty )

week ago09:42 Richard Ashmore

The Royal Navy’s newly acquired vessel RFA Proteus is pictured on the Thames near Gravesend after her dedication ceremony alongside HMS Belfast in London.

The Ministry of Defence acquisition of the ship for £50 million, previously called Topaz Tangaro, is to constrain the increasing threat of Russian Navy submarine attacks on undersea infrastructure such as gas pipes and communication cables.

RFA Proteus will operate in the European and Atlantic waters as a MROSS (Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance Ship) vessel. It will serve as a launchpad for remote vehicles to monitor Britain’s crucial off-shore oil and gas network, as well as communication cables.

The Prime Minister’s wife and ship sponsor Akshata Murty said: “It is a privilege to be the sponsor of RFA Proteus as she comes into service.

“The Royal Fleet Auxiliary are unsung heroes of our maritime security, and I am incredibly proud of all those who have worked on her to date, and all those who will serve on board in the years to come. I look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with Proteus and all associated with her.”

(Image: )

week ago09:19 Richard Ashmore

Relatives and friends attended the funeral for victims of a Russian missile attack on the village of Hroza, near Kharkiv, Ukraine.

A Russian missile strike killed 59 local residents who were attending a wake ceremony after the reburial of a fellow villager who died in the war.

FuneralA Russian missile killed 59 people attending a wake (Image: Rex/ Shutterstock)

week ago09:14 Richard Ashmore

NATO will hold a major nuclear exercise next week, the alliance’s chief said Thursday, an announcement that came after Russia warned it would pull out of a global nuclear test ban agreement.

NATO’s “Steadfast Noon” exercise is held annually and runs for about a week.

It involves fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear warheads but does not involve any live bombs. Conventional jets and surveillance and refueling aircraft also routinely take part.

“This is a routine training event that happens every October,” Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said. “This year, the training will take place over Italy, Croatia and the Mediterranean Sea.”

He said the exercise will help ensure the “credibility, effectiveness and security of our nuclear deterrent, and it sends a clear message that NATO will protect and defend all allies.”

The exercise is scheduled to run from Monday until October 26 and will involve 13 NATO allies and a mix of aircraft types, including advanced fighter jets and U.S. B-52 bombers that will fly in from the United States.

The bulk of the training is held at least 600 miles from Russia’s borders.

B-52B-52 bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons are expected in Europe next week (Image: PA)

week ago08:55 Richard Ashmore

The Russian Olympic Committee has been suspended by the IOC for breaching the Olympic Charter by incorporating sports bodies in four regions in eastern Ukraine.

IOC spokesman Mark Adams says the move by the Russian Olympic Committee on October 5 violated the territorial integrity of the Ukrainian Olympic body.

Adams says the suspension has not yet affected the possibility of neutral Russian athletes competing at next year’s Paris Olympics.

week ago08:25 Richard Ashmore

Rishi Sunak will discuss the dangerous conflict in Israel and Gaza, as well as the war in Ukraine, when he meets northern European allies in Sweden.

The Prime Minister is on the Baltic island of Gotland for a UK-led defence grouping, amid the backdrop of the escalating situation in the Middle East.

Ahead of the Joint Expeditionary Force summit he met Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson aboard the HMS Diamond, where Mr Sunak stayed the night. He served breakfast to and met with Navy crew members early on Friday.

The Prime Minister said leaders would use the summit to talk about “how we can work together to strengthen our security”.

“Welcome aboard our frigate, it is great to have you here,” Mr Sunak told his counterpart.

“It is a symbol of the co-operation, I think, between our two countries that we are able to meet here today.”

Rishi on HMS DiamondPrime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomes Ulf Kristersson, Prime Minister of Sweden, aboard HMS Diamond (Image: Getty )

week ago07:45 Richard Ashmore

Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un have continued to strengthen ties between Russia and North Korea after a rare visit by North Korea’s dictator.

A month on from Kim’s visit to far-eastern Russia, the North Korean leader has exchanged letters with Putin.

The letter declared he was “very satisfied” with how the previous meeting with Putin in Russia had gone.

PutinPutin and Kim Jong Un (Image: Getty )

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Ramzan Kadyrov – Chechnya’s Feudal Lord


Ramzan Kadyrov

By Charles Davis.

Much has been mentioned in the past few months, regarding Chechnya’s part in military operations in Ukraine. Most recently, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) asserted Chechen Akhmat (Spetsnaz) along with a Special Purpose Force Regiment were sent into the Donetsk region. [1] ISW suggests several possible reasons for Putin’s directing Ramzan Kadyrov to send forces to support this offensive and why Kadyrov may or may not be supportive. To understand where Kadyrov’s loyalties lie and ascertain his relationship with President Putin, we must review some significant events in Kadyrov’s rise to prominence.

On July 24, 2020 Sobesdnik, a popular Russian magazine, reported President Putin had awarded the rank of Major General in the National Guard Force to Ramzan Kadyrov. [2] Kadyrov was not an officer of any rank in the Russian military; he was and remains the current President of Chechnya, which is a federal subject of the Russian Federation. Kadyrov also maintains a highly negative profile within the US State Department. Just days before the announcement of his newest accolade, the United States placed him on restricted travel list, along with his wife and daughters. Kadyrov responded by posting a photo of himself with two AK-47s and a caption stating “[Mike] Pompeo, we accept the fight. Things are about to get more interesting.” [3]

Chechnya Locator Map

Map: Location of Chechnya with the Russian Federation. Danloud, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Estimating Putin’s motivations for this decision requires greater understanding of his relationship with Kadyrov and his desires for Chechnya.  Ramzan Akhmadovich Kadyrov is the son of former Chechen President Akhmad Kadyrov. The senior formed a militia (much like the mujahedeen of Afghanistan) during the First Chechen War, calling for Jihad against Russia. Akmad Kadyrov later supported Russia during the Second Chechen War and upon Russia’s victory was installed as the temporary leader by Vladimir Putin in 2000. [4] Akmad remained loyal to Russia and was officially elected to the position of President in 2003. In May 2004, when Akmad was assassinated in a bombing, Ramzan was twenty-seven years old and serving as the commander of the Kadyrovtsy (his father’s former militia group).

On the day of Akhmad’s death, Ramzan was flown to Moscow and received personal condolences from Putin, along with an appointment as the first Deputy Prime Minister. [5] In November 2005 he assumed the role of Acting Prime Minister and in March 2006 was officially installed as Prime Minister.  Throughout this period Ramzan retained the allegiance of and authority over an ever-growing Kadyrovtsy militia group.

One might liken Putin’s behavior to the Taliban’s acknowledgement of Jalaluddin Haqqani’s influence among the eastern provinces and the ultimate placement of his son Sirajuddin Haqqani as the Military Commander for Taliban. This comparison is strengthened by the fact that Putin is dealing with a Sunni Islamic state, heavily influenced by Sufism. Tribalism and patriarchal approaches are ingrained in the culture. Similar to the Afghan regional loyalties to their Mujahedeen heroes, Chechen loyalties are strong and lasting, developing through family and communal ties [6], especially in the mountainous northern regions of Chechnya.  

Putin and Kadyrov 2018

Photo: Image Credit Reliable henchman: Vladimir Putin with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov in 2018. Image: kremlin.ru / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0.

Putin understands these similarities; leading him to invest in Kadyrov as a family dynasty best equipped to continue to provide Moscow with stability in Chechnya.   To this end, Putin removed Alu Alkhanov as President in February 2007 and promoted Ramzan from Prime Minister to acting President; ultimately securing parliamentary support and instatement as the President in March 2007. [7] This timing is not happenstance. Chechen law requires the President to be at least thirty years old. Ramzan turned thirty in October of 2006.

Hanna Zimnitskaya sheds some light on Putin’s personal thoughts/fears regarding the ongoing threat of insurgency from the region and what it would mean to the country. In his work “A State within a State: The Case of Chechnya” Zimnitskaya quotes Putin:

“If we don’t stop the extremists now, then some time later we’ll be faced with another Yugoslavia in the entire territory of Russia, the Yugoslavization of Russia…First Dagestan will be overrun. Then the entire Caucasus would separate; that’s clear.  Dagestan, Ingushetia, and then up the Volga River to Bashkorstan and Tatarstan. This means advancing right into the middle of the country.” [8]

Putin’s concerns are justified, especially when considering attacks like the October 23, 2002 seizing of a Moscow theater, taking up to 700 people hostage and resulting in the death of many of the 50 hostage takers along with 120 hostages. [9] The Beslan School siege serves as another example; with Chechen separatists taking ~1,000 hostages and resulting in the deaths of 340, many of them children. [10]

Putin has given almost unconditional personal support and tremendous financial resources to Ramzan, in an effort to rebuild and stabilize Chechnya. Ramzan has led massive infrastructure developments in the country, which now boasts the largest mosque in the Russian Federation. When asked about his relationship with Ramzan, Putin stated: “I look upon him as a son, we have in recent years developed friendly, really friendly, personal relations and I am convinced, this has played a tremendously positive role in the life of the Chechen nation and for Russia.” [11]

Ramzan’s influence in the Caucasus is derived from his political ties and his hardline Islamic Law approach to issues he finds distasteful.  He is a demigod for many, including his Kadyrovtsy militia group, which is ~30,000 strong and accountable directly to him. [12] However, he is not without criticism at home and abroad. He is accused of human rights abuses, most recently directed against Chechnya’s homosexual population. Additionally, critics assert he directed numerous assassinations of those who challenge his methods. [13]

While accusations of human rights violations continue and are echoed by the United States, Ramzan endures and is effectively consolidating both military and religious power in the Northern Caucus Region. Ramzan has co-opted the Qadiriya (Sufi Muslim brotherhood), shifting their message to ant-extremism. [14] In his work “Ramzan Kadyrov: Insecure Strongman?” Martin Breitmaier alludes to Ramzan’s effectiveness as Russia’s ambassador to the Muslim nations. 

“Ramzan contributes to diplomacy between Russia and Muslim countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). In what is rather unusual for Russian regional politicians, the Chechen president has received or visited many senior political leaders of the MENA on behalf of Moscow (the Saudi king or Afghan vice president last year, for example). His role as one of Russia’s ‘Muslim ambassadors’ is especially important since several countries in the region view Russia in a negative light and the fate of Moscow’s key regional ally Bashar al-Assad remains uncertain.” [15]

Ramzan’s Chechen militia has garnered a reputation of effectiveness and brutality. As such, during the color-revolutions and anti-regime demonstrations in Moscow throughout 2011, elements of the Chechen Presidents personal bodyguard regiment were reportedly stationed in Moscow. Reports indicated the force would be used to dispel protestors near the Interior Ministry building. [16] Other reporting indicates elements of Ramzan’s militia are able to travel armed throughout Russia, with little to no restriction. [17]

In response to Ramzan’s consolidation of power throughout the Northern Caucuses, the Russian Federation attempted to purge his military power through a consolidation of his forces under the Russian National Guard (NG) or Rosgvardiya. This element of Russia’s military arm has only been fully operational since 2018 and is identified as a security agency structure. A recent product from the Foreign Military Studies Office at Ft. Leavenworth describes the structure and responsibilities:

“The main tasks include joint protection of law and order together with the police; the fight against terrorism and extremism; the protection of state establishments and special freight; the protection of the territorial defense of the country; and the assistance to border guards to protect the state border. Powers included the ability to arrest lawbreakers, enter residential premises to conduct searches or arrests, cordon off terrain or residential areas, and use physical force, along with special weapons and equipment.” [18]

The NG which reports directly to the Russian President includes, Special Purpose Mobility Unit, Special Rapid Response Unit, Extra-departmental Protection Service of the Chechen Ministry of the Interior and totals ~250,000. [19] The perceived attempt to purge or reduce Ramzan’s influence over military elements of his country may be inaccurate as his cousin Sharip Delimkhanov was selected as Chief of the Russian Guard Directorate for Chechnya. [20] The Jamestown foundation argues that Kadyrovsty militia ties to the NG are not likely to reduce Ramzan’s control or influence even as his forces change appearance and formal affiliation. [21]

Establishment of the NG and its heavy reliance on Kadyrovsty militia brings us to the most recent announcement and some insight as to why Ramzan Kadyrov is now not only the President of Chechnya but also one of the most senior officers within the Russian National Guard. It is possible Putin experienced some resistance to leaving Kadyrovsty under Kadyrov’s direct control. This would explain Delimkhanov’s selection as Chief of the Russian Guard Directorate for Chechnya.

It is also worth noting, Putin appointed Viktor Zolotov as Director of the NG. The National Defense Academy of Latvia’s Strategic Research Department suggests: 

“The nomination of Viktor Zolotov as NG commander and the replacement of important persons could be a part of “another trend in recent appointments, with Mr. Putin naming former bodyguards and intelligence agents to important political posts, such as regional governors” as it ensures their “unquestioning loyalty.” [22]

Zolotov has served Putin since the 1990s, first as a personal bodyguard then as commander of the Presidential Security services. [23] Zolotov has a notable relationship with Ramzan. Both attended as part of Putin’s official party during a state dinner of the Syrian Arab Republic in May 2010. Additionally, the Nemtsov foundation and the Atlantic Council suggest both Zolotov and Ramzan Kadyrov were complicit in coordinating for the assassination of prominent political activist Boris Nemtsov in 2015. [24] This implication may reinforce Latvia’s assessment that Putin is ensuring his NG serves with unquestioning loyalty.

Ramzan’s reach into emigrated populations of Chechens in Poland, France, and Austria is of significant importance as is the security of the Northern Caucuses and oil pipelines running from the south. Additionally, the soft power influence Ramzan wields within the Islamic countries opens doors for Putin in a difficult region. Lastly, Putin has been a constant supporter of Ramzan and has strong personal ties to the leader, which is openly apparent to Putin’s cabinet and staff. Who else would he want under direct control of his 250 thousand strong security force in the event critics or the Russian people gain tractions in attempts to push him out of office?

From a strategic perspective, it will be important to monitor how Putin deploys the Russian National Guard and the level of involvement Ramzan Kadyrov maintains in operations and decision-making. As we have seen throughout Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Putin has relied heavily on the protections of his inner circle. The relationship he has cultivated with Kadyrov has paid dividends and his decision to assign Kadyrov military rank and a place within the National Guard has also provided Putin with options as his both his traditional military leadership and Wagner remain at odds with one another.

[1] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-may-31-2023

[2] https://sobesednik.ru/politika/20200724-gudkov-putin-dal-indulgenciyu

[3] https://meduza.io/en/feature/2020/07/24/the-u-s-sanctioned-ramzan-kadyrov-s-family-members-and-he-isn-t-taking-it-well

[4] http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/787811.stm

[5] https://frontline.thehindu.com/world-affairs/article30222673.ece

[6] https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2020/05/17/chechnya-the-ethno-political-flashpoint-plaguing-a-former-super-power/

[7] https://web.archive.org/web/20080308153448/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,252203,00.html

[8] https://digitalcommons.macalester.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1014&context=intlstudies_honors

[9] https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/hostage-crisis-in-moscow-theater

[10] https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/chechen-separatists-storm-russian-school

[11] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEl4Mt1CtkQ

[12] https://www.ifri.org/sites/default/files/atoms/files/rnv99_m._laruelle_kadyrovism_en_2017.pdf

[13] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-31794742

[14] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-31794742

[15] https://www.iss.europa.eu/sites/default/files/EUISSFiles/Alert%2010%20Kadyrov.pdf

[16] https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/slavic-review/article/inside-russias-imperial-relations-the-social-constitution-of-putinkadyrov-patronage/FA38D6E2093711CD76250D5152FF7CED/core-reader

[17] https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2013/03/24/fsb-officers-go-on-strike-after-release-of-chechen-cops-report-says-a22672

[18] https://community.apan.org/wg/tradoc-g2/fmso/m/fmso-books/197266

[19] https://www.ifri.org/sites/default/files/atoms/files/rnv99_m._laruelle_kadyrovism_en_2017.pdf

[20] https://community.apan.org/wg/tradoc-g2/fmso/m/fmso-books/197266

[21] https://jamestown.org/program/creation-of-russian-national-guard-could-affect-kremlin-policies-in-the-north-caucasus-2/

[22] https://www.baltdefcol.org/files/files/publications/RussianNationalGuard.pdf

[23] http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35975840

[24] https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/who-wanted-boris-nemtsov-dead-new-book-offers-new-look-at-evidence/  https://nemtsovfund.org/en/our-projects/investigation-into-boris-nemtsov-s-murder/

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Top photo: Kremlin.ru, CC BY 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons.

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Argentina’s Economy Minister Wins First Round of Presidential Election


Argentina’s economy minister has won the first round of the country’s presidential election.

With almost all of the votes counted, Sergio Massa secured more than 36% of the votes in Sunday’s poll.

Far-right candidate Javier Milei, whom political analysts had thought would finish in the lead, mustered 30% of the ballots.

Analysts had predicted that Massa would not fare well in Sunday’s election because inflation has soared during his time as Argentina’s economy minister, reaching as high as 140%.

A win of 45% of the votes by either candidate would have avoided the upcoming runoff election Nov. 19.

The post Argentina’s Economy Minister Wins First Round of Presidential Election first appeared on The News And Times – thenewsandtimes.com.


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Venezuela primary vote count delayed by server blockage-opposition


2023-10-23T03:44:45Z

Venezuelans voted on Sunday in a primary to choose a unity opposition candidate to face President Nicolas Maduro in his probable re-election bid next year, in what some state-level organizers said was a higher-than-expected turnout.

The vote comes amid pledges by the United States to roll back sanctions relief if the government fails to lift bans preventing some opposition figures from holding office.

The count would be delayed because of technical problems, head of the commission in charge of organizing the vote told journalists late on Sunday night.

“We have detected that our server, which serves as a transmission channel, was blocked,” Jesus Maria Casal said.

“The commission has contingency measures and our technical staff have activated them in coordination with the parties and the candidates.”

The commission will announce initial results when it has a representative portion of votes counted, he said.

Polling places – including in private homes and on street corners – were meant to close at 4 p.m. (2000 GMT), but many remained opened hours later, so those waiting in long lines could vote or so additional ballots could be delivered.

Some of the estimated 3,000 polling locations nationwide had to be moved, according to human rights groups and voters, causing confusion.

Voters also faced transportation problems. Gasoline availability was limited in border states Tachira and Bolivar and public transport in the country’s interior was working irregularly, according to Reuters witnesses.

“On Friday we waited in three lines to be able to get gasoline for today and we couldn’t,” said housewife Melissa Diaz, 39, who arrived at her polling place in eastern Guyana City with a nearly empty tank.

“We’ve lost a whole day, but even if we had to walk or cycle, we were coming to vote.”

Maria Corina Machado, 56, an industrial engineer and former lawmaker, has led her rivals by some 40 points in polls.

But Machado, like two former rivals who dropped out of the race, is barred from public office over her support of the sanctions on Maduro’s government and would not be able to register for the general election.

The opposition and government this week signed a deal on some election guarantees, including the presence of international observers. The accord allows each side to choose its candidate according to internal rules, but did not retract the election disqualifications.

The United States, which broadly eased Trump-era sanctions on Venezuelan oil and gas and bonds in response to the deal, has said Maduro has until the end of November to begin rescinding the bans and releasing political prisoners and “wrongfully detained” Americans.

Though five people were released, lead government negotiator Jorge Rodriguez confirmed this week that those with disqualifications cannot run in the 2024 contest, set for the second half of the year.

Some in the opposition have said they are skeptical Maduro will follow through on the deal.

The opposition, which says the disqualifications are unlawful, has been reticent to say what it would do if Machado wins the primary but is unable to compete in 2024.

Machado – who says her goal is to remove Maduro in a fair and peaceful vote – has said she would pressure the electoral authorities to let her register. Maduro has not announced that he will seek re-election, but many observers expect him to run.

Others have argued selecting a substitute candidate would be necessary, although whether the often-fractious opposition would accept Machado choosing a replacement remains to be seen.

Participation in the vote, organized without state help, was more than double what had been expected in some states. Venezuela has about 20 million eligible voters.

Ten candidates – including former lawmakers Carlos Prosperi and Delsa Solorzano – are competing in the primary, where candidates have pledged to come up with solutions for the country’s long economic crisis.

“If you buy diapers you don’t buy food, so I buy food and not diapers,” said 20-year-old hairdresser Rosimar Gonzalez, who voted in central Maracay with her young son in her arms.

“We have to change presidents.”

About 4 million of the 7.7 million Venezuelans migrants who have left their country are estimated to be of voting age and are able to vote at centers in 28 countries.

“I came to vote because I want to hug my grandchildren again, because I want to see my country on the road to freedom before I go,” said a teary Armando Cedeno, 100, who voted in the afternoon in Maracaibo.

“I am confident that God will give me that gift.”

Related Galleries:

People stand in line to cast their votes in a primary to choose a unity opposition candidate to face Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro in his probable re-election bid in 2024, in Caracas, Venezuela October 22, 2023. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria

People stand in line to cast their votes in a primary to choose a unity opposition candidate to face Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro in his probable re-election bid in 2024, in Caracas, Venezuela October 22, 2023. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria

A volunteer holds a sign to indicate the different voting stations for people to cast their votes in a primary to choose a unity opposition candidate to face Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro in his probable re-election bid in 2024, in Caracas, Venezuela October 22, 2023. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria

Venezuelan residents stand in line to cast their votes in a primary to choose a unity opposition candidate to face Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro in his probable re-election bid in 2024, in Bogota, Colombia October 22, 2023. REUTERS/Vannessa Jimenez

A woman casts her vote in a primary to choose a unity opposition candidate to face Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro in his probable re-election bid in 2024, in Caracas, Venezuela October 22, 2023. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria

Volunteers look at ballot material for a primary to choose a unity opposition candidate to face Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro in his probable re-election bid in 2024, in Caracas, Venezuela October 22, 2023. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria

People stand in line to cast their votes in a primary to choose a unity opposition candidate to face Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro in his probable re-election bid in 2024, in Caracas, Venezuela October 22, 2023. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria

Frontrunner Maria Corina Machado greets people after casting her vote in a primary to choose a unity opposition candidate to face Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro in his probable re-election bid in 2024, in Caracas, Venezuela October 22, 2023. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria

Front-runner Maria Corina Machado greets people after casting her vote in a primary to choose a unity opposition candidate to face Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro in his probable re-election bid in 2024, in Caracas, Venezuela October 22, 2023. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria

A woman casts her vote in a primary to choose a unity opposition candidate to face Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro in his probable re-election bid in 2024, in Caracas, Venezuela October 22, 2023. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria

An aerial view shows the El Valle neighborhood, a day before Venezuela elects a unity candidate to represent the country’s opposition in the 2024 presidential elections, in Caracas, Venezuela October 21, 2023. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria

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