A Chechen State Duma deputy, Adam Delimkhanov, posted a video message on his Telegram channel directed at Yevgeny Prigozhin, the businessman who oversees the Wagner private military company. In this recording, Delimkhanov characterizes his rival as a blogger and extends a direct invitation to meet in person. The message unfolds as a public exchange within the senior ranks, framed as a straightforward call for dialogue rather than a retreat into retreat or rumor. Delimkhanov uses the platform to address public perception, to challenge Prigozhin’s latest public stance, and to present his own perspective on the affair as part of the broader narrative around the ongoing operations. The rhetoric is pointed yet measured, designed to signal readiness to engage rather than a simple dismissal of criticism, and it underscores a willingness to clear the air in a controlled setting.
The impetus for Delimkhanov’s video stems from Prigozhin’s assertion that the Ahmat unit misunderstood its assigned mission. In describing the situation, the deputy frames Prigozhin’s claim as a misreading of operational realities and insists that, during the special military operation, Chechen special forces carry out all tasks assigned by the supreme commander. The statement is presented not just as a rebuttal but as a reminder of professional discipline and accountability within the ranks. It is suggested that the Ahmat unit’s performance and its alignment with strategic directives are critical to the success of the mission. In this context, Delimkhanov’s message doubles as a public affirmation of the cohesion and purpose of Chechen units, while inviting Prigozhin to a direct conversation to address any concerns or questions about the unit’s activities, thereby attempting to preempt further misinterpretation in the media landscape.
Beyond the core message, Delimkhanov highlights Prigozhin’s elevated media presence and stresses his own willingness to engage directly about Akhmat’s operations. The deputy suggests coordinating a meeting through a mutually agreeable venue and moment, indicating a preference for a face-to-face discussion that could help clarify operational realities and public narratives. The invitation to fix the place and time signals an openness to transparency and a desire to control the discourse surrounding Akhmat’s activities. It also serves as a strategic move to present Chechen authorities as accessible and responsible stewards of the force under discussion, reinforcing the credibility of official channels during a period of heightened public interest and scrutiny.
Earlier, Apty Alaudinov, the deputy commander of the 2nd Corps and a commander within the special forces, announced that preparations for the Akhmat detachment were proceeding and that active offensive operations were underway in a new sector of the Russian special military operations zone. This statement places the current exchange within a broader operational framework, illustrating how leadership at multiple levels communicates about evolving theaters of operation. It underscores the ongoing momentum of the campaign and the readiness of elite units to adjust to new challenges as they emerge. By situating the discussion within the cadence of military activity, the report reinforces the perception of a disciplined and proactive force, with personnel who are prepared to advance the mission while maintaining strict professional standards and coordination with the supreme command.