The UK Ministry of Defense reports.
It is noted that pro-Russian Chechen forces have been fighting with Ukraine since 2014. Additional Chechen forces were deployed to Ukraine at the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
However, having suffered heavy casualties from the start, Chechen units were largely relegated to rear guard duties and ridiculed as TikTok troops for posting alleged “military successes” on social media.
After the Russian private military company Wagner was withdrawn from the front line in May 2023, Chechen units returned to the front line.
British intelligence suggests that Chechen special forces are bearing the brunt of combat operations on the front lines, while the main portion of Chechen forces continues to conduct rear-guard security operations.
Another key contribution of Chechnya to Russia's war against Ukraine is the training of Russian personnel. According to Chechnya's leadership, since 2022, approximately 42,000 Russian military personnel have undergone training at the Russian Special Forces University in Gudermes, Chechnya.
“However, it is likely personnel only receive up to 10 days training at the university, bringing the effectiveness of the training and institution into doubt,” the British Ministry of Defense notes.