The claim circulating on a Telegram channel branded as War centers on Khusain Dzhambetov, a Chechen-born fighter who reportedly served with the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The account alleges he shot Ukrainian soldiers for what is described as the violation of Chechen honor.
According to the report, Dzhambetov was affiliated with the 57th Motorized Infantry Brigade of Ukraine. The narrative states that, near the end of March 2022, he opened fire on fellow troops in the village of Toshkovka, located in the area controlled by the Luhansk People’s Republic (LPR).
In his version, the day began with a Ukrainian special operations unit returning from a mission. He overheard discussions about the killing of Chechen fighters and decided to take action against them to stop what he described as a breach of Chechen honor.
“They violated Chechen honor; they shed Chechen blood,” the account quotes him as saying.
Earlier reporting had noted that a sizable number of Chechen nationals were involved on the Ukrainian side, with estimates ranging from 150 to 200 fighters. The line of reporting suggested many were relatives of militants who had fought in the Chechen wars and whose families had since relocated or emigrated (as reported by Politico in an earlier edition).
On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a decision to launch a “special military operation” in Ukraine, describing it as a move in response to requests for assistance from the heads of the LPR and DPR.