Prolonged concern relating to the overall health of Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Chechnya, sheds light on Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s reliance on Kadyrov for stability in the area, as reported by the Institute for the Study of War on September 17. The Ukrainian Key Intelligence Directorate (GUR) allegedly confirmed on September 15 that Kadyrov was in a coma, sparking speculation about his effectively-getting. Nevertheless, Kadyrov denied these rumors in a video posted on September 17. The ISW notes that the destabilization of Kadyrov’s rule in Chechnya would considerably effect Putin’s regime, offered the important function Chechnya played in establishing stability in Russia for the duration of the early days of Putin’s rule. Russian officials, like Kadyrov himself, could worry that ongoing speculation about his overall health will undermine lengthy-term stability in Chechnya.

In addition, the ISW points out the liberation of Klishchiivka, situated south of Bakhmut, by Ukrainian forces. Analysts at the ISW highlight that Ukrainian manage of Klishchiivka is a tactical victory with strategic significance, as it makes it possible for Ukrainian forces to engage a considerable portion of the Russian airborne (VDV) units in the Bakhmut region. According to Ukrainian military spokesperson Illia Yevlash, the liberation of Klishchiivka will outcome in Russian forces losing manage of the southern flank of Bakhmut, enabling the Ukrainian military to advance additional and execute additional precise and considerable attacks making use of numerous artillery systems, drones, and readily available weapons. Yevlash states that the major objective for Ukrainian forces is to seize manage of logistical routes, especially the railway, by means of which the Russians provide ammunition to the occupied city of Bakhmut.

Previously occupied by Russian forces in January, Klishchiivka, which had a population of about 500 residents, is situated just 5 kilometers south of Russian-occupied Bakhmut. The effective recapture of the village was 1st announced on Facebook on September 17 by the Liut (“Anger”) Brigade, comprised of Ukrainian police and below the command of the National Guard. The liberation of Klishchiivka establishes a strong foundation for future offensives by the Ukrainian military.

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