Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of the Chechen Republic and a warlord in Vladimir Putin’s command, has issued a threat against Poland, vowing a military attack in response to its unwavering support for Ukraine.
Poland has emerged as one of President Zelensky’s strongest allies since the onset of the Russian invasion. It has served as an entry point for numerous Ukrainian refugees seeking safety in the west and has also taken a firm stance against Russia in the European Parliament, advocating for a ban on Russian gas and oil imports, as reported by The Telegraph.
However, Poland has now become embroiled in the Russian propaganda effort aimed at justifying the assault on Ukraine.
In a recent video message, 45-year-old Kadyrov, who often refers to himself as Putin’s ‘footsoldier,’ stated, “Ukraine is a done deal. What I’m interested in is Poland. What is Poland trying to achieve? Once Ukraine is done, we can show you what we’re capable of in six seconds if there is an order.”
Kadyrov has frequently used social media to criticize the West for their support of Ukraine. In his latest address, he demanded an apology over an act of vandalism in Warsaw earlier this month.
During a commemoration of the Allies’ triumph in 1945, a Ukrainian activist splattered red paint on Russian ambassador Sergey Andreev as he was laying flowers at the Soviet military cemetery in the Polish capital.
Kadyrov cautioned, “You better take away your weapons and your mercenaries and officially apologize to our ambassador.”
Kadyrov’s forces have been accused of war crimes in Ukraine, with Kadyrov himself known to accompany them on operations, although he has denied involvement in any extrajudicial killings.
The United States and the European Union have repeatedly accused Kadyrov of human rights violations, allegations which he denies.
Tens of thousands of Russian troops are presently en route to the regions of Luhansk and Donetsk, collectively known as the Donbas.
The Kremlin aims to secure a victory there in order to salvage its image amid the ‘special military operation.’ According to Western officials, Russian commanders view the Donbas as their most viable opportunity for success.