Russian authorities threaten retaliating USA for sanctions against Chechen special unit

The sanctions against the "Terek" special squadron and Chechen law enforcers reflect an intention to complicate cooperation in countering terrorism or fear of detachment's operations in the Arctic, the Russian Embassy to the United States has stated. Ramzan Kadyrov and his entourage have perceived the law enforcers' inclusion into the sanctions list with irony, residents of Chechnya say.

Abuzaid Vismuradov, the commander of the Chechen "Terek" special rapid-response squadron, has treated his inclusion in the US sanctions list as good news." "If this list includes the US enemies, it's my honour to be there," he said in an interview with the "Grozny" State TV and Radio Company (ChGTRK).

"If Kadyrov has no interests and business projects in the USA, then, for him the inclusion into the sanctions list will not be of great importance," said Yuri Rogulev, Director of the Roosevelt Foundation for US Studies at the Moscow State University.

"Ramzan and his entourage are comfortable in Russia and Middle East countries; therefore, they ironically perceive their inclusion into sanction lists," said a Grozny resident named Salamu.

The image benefit from the sanctions imposed on Kadyrov is associated with his chosen role as "a Presidents Putin's infantryman," said Alexei Malashenko, a political analyst.

"Kadyrov's retinue has been under sanctions for five years; and this has no effect on their wellbeing," said Lechi, an activist of a Chechen NGO.