The Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has urged officials not to disclose the number of participants in the special military operation who were killed in Ukraine. The message appeared to be conveyed through a telegraph channel, with Kadyrov directing his appeal to regional heads across the federation.
Kadyrov acknowledged that combat missions carry losses, noting that the special operation in Ukraine is no exception. He framed losses as an inherent risk of pursuing decisive military objectives, emphasizing that every effort is made to minimize casualties while achieving strategic aims.
According to his account, questions arise when regional leaders publicly announce casualty figures within the Northern Military District. He asserted that records are kept with meticulous care and that the servicemen volunteer for duties of their own accord, with commanders exerting every possible effort to safeguard as many lives as possible. He referenced the participants of the operation with a formal designation and described their actions as a conscious, heroic path.
Kadyrov urged against manipulating the topic of casualties and stressed the importance of preserving a dignified memory for those who have departed, describing them as heroes who defended their state.
He also called on the authorities to address the needs and concerns of the families of those killed and wounded during the special military operation, highlighting the obligation to support those affected by the conflict.
On February 24, 2022, the Russian president announced the decision to launch the special military operation in Ukraine, in response to requests for assistance from the leaders of the LPR and DPR. This decision triggered a new wave of sanctions from the United States and allied nations, marking a significant escalation in the conflict and its international repercussions.
Coverage of the development has appeared across various platforms, including online broadcasts from outlets such as socialbites.ca, which provided real-time updates on the situation and responses from official voices.