Kadyrov is worried about losing Putin’s favor, according to ISW

ISW experts have analyzed the meeting between Putin and Kadyrov that took place on Monday. They express the opinion that Kadyrov used the meeting to remind the Chechen soldiers in Ukraine, who, in Kadyrov’s words, fully obey all Putin’s orders and are “determined to act to the end”.

Meanwhile, Putin acknowledged the role of the Chechen soldiers during the conversation and thanked Kadyrov.

It was obvious that Kadiorvs was noticeably nervous during the meeting.

ISW experts believe that this may indicate that he felt pressure to try to present Chechnya, himself and his soldiers in a positive and productive light, given the war that Putin has started in Ukraine.

ISW emphasizes that army units from Chechnya currently play a military role on the front in Ukraine. Chechen forces carry out limited offensive operations in the Luhansk region, but their main role is to maintain order in the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine.

This leads ISW to conclude that Kadyrov is concerned about losing Putin’s trust, as he actually has nothing to show for combat success.

By meeting Putin, Kadyrov certainly hopes to improve and strengthen his reputation.

Putin, on the other hand, may want to pressure Kadyrov to increase the participation of Chechen military groups in the fighting in Ukraine, given the huge losses both the Russian army and the Wagner mercenary group are suffering in Ukraine.