Accessibility links

Breaking News

Chechen Leader Offers Ukrainian Captives In Exchange For Lifting Sanctions On His Family


Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov (file photo)
Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov (file photo)

The authoritarian ruler of Russia's North Caucasus region of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, has offered to release Ukrainian prisoners of war in exchange for the lifting of U.S. sanctions against his family members and horses, Russian media reported on January 5. Kadyrov, a loyal Kremlin ally, said he provided a list of 20 Ukrainian captives to American author Scott Ritter -- a disgraced former UN weapons inspector, and regular contributor to Russian state media -- who was visiting Chechnya. Kadyrov said the captives “were taken in Donetsk and Luhansk.” To read the original story by RFE/RL’s Russian Service, click here.

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG