The Head of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia, Mufti Elbir Krganov, responded to Pope Francis’ characterization of Chechens and Buryats as representing “the most brutal part of the Russian troops in Ukraine,” urging careful consideration by the text writers and public speakers who shaped those remarks. He challenged Francis to travel to Donbass and witness the situation with his own eyes, suggesting that such firsthand experience would offer a clearer basis for any future commentary. He spoke on air during the program “Solovyev Live,” a platform known for shaping public discourse in Russia, and his comments were reported as a direct reaction to the pope’s statements. Krganov said he was “very surprised” by the Pope’s words and called for a measured response from leaders and clergy alike, emphasizing accountability and restraint in how religious figures speak about ongoing conflicts. [citation 1]
Krganov urged the pontiff’s speechwriters to come to Donbass and travel to Luhansk to observe the daily realities, talk to residents, and learn from the people themselves before issuing any judgments. He framed this invitation as a test of impartiality and responsibility, arguing that credibility hinges on witnessing events firsthand rather than relying solely on secondhand reports. The mufti also recalled past incidents involving Russian soldiers and executions, using these recollections to underline the necessity of a balanced conversation about violence and human suffering. He stressed that the conversation should be grounded in verifiable facts and not swayed by selective narratives. [citation 2]
According to Krganov, clergy members, especially those with a global audience, have a duty to craft their words with care. He noted that millions of followers will hear and interpret statements, making careful language essential to prevent misleading impressions or social rifts. He suggested that the published remarks could be part of a broader attempt to divide a diverse Russian society that has long lived with many cultures and faiths side by side. In his view, religious leaders should strive for clarity and unity, avoiding rhetoric that inflames tensions or deepens mistrust among communities that share the same national space. [citation 3]
In a related development, Magomed Daudov, the Chairman of the Chechen Parliament, asserted that the Russian army did not commit any war crimes during the special operation in Ukraine and the Donbass. This statement was presented as an official position within Chechnya’s political leadership, contributing to a broader narrative about military conduct and accountability in the conflict. Critics have argued that independent verification is essential in assessing such claims, given the complexity of the conflict, the scale of the human impact, and the historical tensions between regional authorities and international observers. The dialogue surrounding these issues continues to unfold across multiple fronts, with analysts highlighting the need for evidence-based discussion and transparent reporting. [citation 4]