Kadyrov confirms readiness of "Akhmat" to replace "Wagner" in Artyomovsk

Chechen fighters are ready to occupy the positions of the "Wagner" PMC (Private Military Company) in the city of Artyomovsk, Ramzan Kadyrov has confirmed the words of Evgeny Prigozhin, stating that three OMON (riot police) units had already left for the special military operation (SMO) zone.

Prigozhin had earlier asked Sergey Shoigu, the Russian Minister of Defence, to issue an order to transfer the combat positions of the "Wagner" PMC in Artyomovsk (the Ukrainian name is Bakhmut) under the control of the "Akhmat" battalion. Prigozhin has also confirmed that he had contacted Kadyrov's representatives in order to transfer control over Artyomovsk to them at night on May 10 for further assault.

On May 4, Prigozhin released an angry video appeal to Minister Shoigu and Valery Gerasimov, the Chief of Staff, stating that there was a shortage of ammunition and demanding immediate supplies. On May 5, Prigozhin announced his intention to hold Bakhmut only until May 10, if the logistic problem of his units was not resolved. After that, Kadyrov posted an appeal, in which he supported Prigozhin's demands, calling him his "elder brother." "If the elder brother Prigozhin and 'Wagner' leave, then the General Staff will lose an experienced combat unit, and his younger brother Kadyrov and 'Akhmat' will occupy his place in Artyomovsk," the head of Chechnya has stated.

"Akhmat" fighters are ready to advance to Artyomovsk, Kadyrov has confirmed in his Telegram channel. He expressed confidence that Chechen fighters would occupy the city. He also expressed the wish that the President of Russia be surrounded by the people who "withstand any onslaught in any situation."

Let us remind you that after the start of the SMO in Ukraine, Kadyrov and Prigozhin have repeatedly demonstrated solidarity, opposing the Russia's Ministry of Defence (MoD). Thus, in October 2022, after criticizing General Alexander Lapin, Kadyrov noted that he agreed with Prigozhin's proposals on the need for changes in the leadership of the Russian Army. In January this year, Prigozhin, in his turn, sided with Kadyrov in a discussion with generals about the need for militaries to shave their beards.