Prolonged concern concerning the overall health of Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Chechnya, sheds light on Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s reliance on Kadyrov for stability in the area, as reported by the Institute for the Study of War on September 17. The Ukrainian Key Intelligence Directorate (GUR) allegedly confirmed on September 15 that Kadyrov was in a coma, sparking speculation about his nicely-becoming. Nonetheless, Kadyrov denied these rumors in a video posted on September 17. The ISW notes that the destabilization of Kadyrov’s rule in Chechnya would tremendously effect Putin’s regime, offered the critical part Chechnya played in establishing stability in Russia through the early days of Putin’s rule. Russian officials, such as Kadyrov himself, may possibly worry that ongoing speculation about his overall health will undermine extended-term stability in Chechnya.

In addition, the ISW points out the liberation of Klishchiivka, situated south of Bakhmut, by Ukrainian forces. Analysts at the ISW highlight that Ukrainian handle of Klishchiivka is a tactical victory with strategic significance, as it permits Ukrainian forces to engage a substantial portion of the Russian airborne (VDV) units in the Bakhmut location. According to Ukrainian military spokesperson Illia Yevlash, the liberation of Klishchiivka will outcome in Russian forces losing handle of the southern flank of Bakhmut, enabling the Ukrainian military to advance additional and execute a lot more precise and substantial attacks working with a variety of artillery systems, drones, and out there weapons. Yevlash states that the principal objective for Ukrainian forces is to seize handle of logistical routes, especially the railway, via which the Russians provide ammunition to the occupied city of Bakhmut.

Previously occupied by Russian forces in January, Klishchiivka, which had a population of about 500 residents, is positioned just 5 kilometers south of Russian-occupied Bakhmut. The profitable recapture of the village was initially announced on Facebook on September 17 by the Liut (“Anger”) Brigade, comprised of Ukrainian police and below the command of the National Guard. The liberation of Klishchiivka establishes a strong foundation for future offensives by the Ukrainian military.

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