Ramzan Kadyrov, head of the Chechen Republic and loyal ally of Vladimir Putin, has publicly accused Ukraine of orchestrating a knife attack on a police post in the town of Achkhoy Martan, located in Chechnya. The incident occurred on the evening of 8 April 2025 and left one police officer dead. The attacker, a local resident, was shot and killed on site by responding officers.
According to Russian state outlet TASS, Kadyrov stated that the attack was carried out by Chechens, but was directed by a Ukrainian citizen operating from Turkish territory. He alleged that Ukraine funds a network recruiting Chechens to destabilise the region and blamed Kyiv for trying to undermine the internal security of the republic.
On his Telegram channel, Kadyrov wrote that the coordination of the attack had been managed by a group operating from Turkey. He also called for the deportation of the families of those allegedly involved. He demanded that the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Russian National Guard, and the Federal Security Service seize the property of those connected to the attackers. He suggested that if alleged cooperation with Ukraine continues, even extended family members should be removed from Chechen territory.
| Incident Location | Achkhoy Martan, Chechnya |
|---|---|
| Date | 8 April 2025 |
| Attack Description | Knife assault on police patrol post |
| Casualties | 1 police officer killed, attacker shot dead |
| Accusations | Ukraine and a coordinator in Turkey blamed |
| Official Statement | Issued by Ramzan Kadyrov via Telegram |
The attack comes amid heightened Russian domestic security operations, with ongoing so-called anti-terrorist actions in regions such as Dagestan. One such operation, carried out on 5 March 2025 in the city of Kaspiysk, reportedly resulted in four deaths following an exchange of gunfire. Russian authorities claimed the suspects had planned an attack on a regional police office, citing the discovery of weapons and a flag linked to ISIS, though no independent verification was provided.
Kadyrov’s accusations against Ukraine were made without presenting verifiable evidence, and his calls for family-based punishment raised international concerns. Deporting relatives and seizing private property based solely on alleged associations are practices widely condemned under international law and human rights norms.
Kadyrov’s statements continue to echo Kremlin talking points that blame internal unrest on external forces, especially Ukraine and the West, without offering credible proof.
