1. Formation and Early Years (1991–1994)

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria (ChRI) declared independence in 1991. Its first armed forces were established as a National Guard, composed of volunteers and members of the Executive Committee of the National Congress of the Chechen People. These initial forces included former Soviet officers and local volunteers, with the primary goal of defending the newly proclaimed republic.

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2. Wars with Russia and Reorganization (1994–2000)

The First Chechen War (1994–1996) saw the ChRI’s armed forces engaged in an asymmetric conflict against the Russian army. Despite being outgunned and outnumbered, Chechen fighters inflicted heavy losses on Russian forces, leading to a ceasefire agreement in 1996.

During the Second Chechen War (1999–2000), the armed forces of Ichkeria suffered severe losses and were eventually forced to retreat into the mountains. Many fighters continued the resistance through guerrilla warfare, while others dispersed or joined Islamist factions.

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3. Exile and Diaspora (2000–2014)

After the fall of Grozny and the collapse of organized resistance, the ChRI government went into exile, mainly in Europe. Many former fighters sought refuge abroad, keeping the dream of Chechen independence alive and looking for new ways to continue their struggle against Russian occupation.

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4. Participation in the War in Ukraine (2014–2022)

With the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2014, numerous Chechen exiles joined Ukrainian forces to fight against Russian aggression.
This led to the formation of the Dzhokhar Dudayev Battalion and the Sheikh Mansur Battalion, composed primarily of Chechen volunteers — many of them veterans of previous wars.

These battalions operated mainly in the Donbas region and participated in several engagements against Russian-backed separatist forces.

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5. Creation of OBON and Current Involvement

On July 29, 2022, Akhmed Zakayev, head of the ChRI government in exile, officially announced the creation of the Separate Special Purpose Battalion (OBON) — a new unit of Chechen volunteers. The OBON was integrated into Ukraine’s International Legion for Territorial Defense and placed under the authority of the Ministry of Defense of the ChRI in exile. The battalion has taken part in several key operations in the current war, including combat in the Donbas and the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the south.

In September 2024, the government in exile announced the formation of a new UAV unit within OBON, named “Stiglara Tajzar” (Heavenly Wrath), dedicated to drone warfare against Russian forces.

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Conclusion

This overview highlights the evolution of Ichkeria’s Armed Forces — from their birth in 1991 to their present role in the war in Ukraine.
The enduring presence of Chechen volunteers on the Ukrainian front represents a continued resistance to Russian imperialism and a powerful affirmation of Ichkeria’s struggle for freedom.

For a deeper exploration of the historical development of the Chechen Armed Forces, visit the page Army of the Past on this website. To learn more about the current military formations, see Army of the Present or explore the dedicated section Ukrainian Front.