Khamzat Gelayev Battalion

As the war in Ukraine rages into its third year, the presence of Chechen volunteer battalions fighting alongside Ukrainian forces continues to grow both in strategic weight and symbolic value. Among these, the Khamzat Gelayev Battalion stands out as a determined and disciplined unit composed of fighters who see the Ukrainian struggle not only as a war for sovereignty—but as a direct extension of the Chechen national liberation movement.

Origins and Symbolism

Founded in 2022, the Khamzat Gelayev Battalion is named after Ruslan “Khamzat” Gelayev, a legendary commander of the Chechen resistance during the First and Second Russo-Chechen Wars. Gelayev, killed in 2004, remains a revered figure for many Ichkerian patriots. His legacy of guerrilla warfare, courage, and national dignity forms the ideological backbone of the unit.

A Successor to the “Borz” Regiment

According to Ukrainian sources, the battalion also positions itself as the spiritual and symbolic successor of the “Borz” Regiment, the elite Chechen military formation originally founded by Khamzat Gelayev himself. “Borz”—meaning Wolf in Chechen—was one of the most respected and battle-hardened units of the Ichkerian Armed Forces during the wars of the 1990s and early 2000s.

Although there is no formal organizational continuity, the current battalion inherits its identity, ethics, and doctrine from the original regiment:

Tactical mobility and asymmetric warfare
National-liberation ideology
Dedication to Ichkerian independence

This connection reinforces the battalion’s legitimacy among exiled Ichkerians and younger generations of fighters.

Affiliation and Leadership

The battalion operates under the umbrella of the Ukrainian Territorial Defense International Legion.
It is politically aligned with the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria government-in-exile, led by Akhmed Zakayev.
Although specific commanders remain undisclosed for security reasons, the battalion is known to include veterans from previous conflicts—Chechnya, Syria, and even earlier operations in Ukraine.

Goals and Motivations

Fighters in the Gelayev Battalion are not mercenaries. Their goal is national liberation: to weaken Putin’s regime and ultimately achieve an independent Chechnya. For them, Ukraine’s struggle against Russian imperialism mirrors their own. Many describe their engagement as a moral obligation and a continuation of a war that began decades ago.

Areas of Operation

2022: Formation and integration with Ukrainian forces. Training and consolidation in western Ukraine.
2023: Deployment to Donbas and Kherson fronts. Engaged in reconnaissance and sabotage missions.
2024: Cross-border operations into Belgorod and Kursk regions of Russia.
2025 (ongoing): Plans underway to expand into a brigade, incorporating more volunteers from Europe and the diaspora.

Legal and Political Status

In November 2024, the Russian Supreme Court officially labeled the battalion a terrorist organization. This designation is politically motivated and reflects the Kremlin’s alarm over growing anti-Putin Chechen resistance. Russian propaganda brands them as “traitors,” while in Ukraine they are recognized as courageous allies.

Communication and Media Presence

Unlike more visible formations like the Dzhokhar Dudayev or Sheikh Mansur Battalions, the Gelayev unit maintains a low media profile. Selective footage and statements are occasionally shared through Telegram channels and Ichkerian networks, particularly during cross-border operations. Fighters avoid exposing identities and focus on operational effectiveness.

Summary Timeline

Date	Event
Spring 2022	Formation of the Khamzat Gelayev Battalion.
Summer–Autumn 2022	Training and integration into Ukrainian forces.
2023	First known deployments in Donbas and Kherson.
Aug 2024	Cross-border operations in Kursk, Russia.
Nov 2024	Declared a terrorist group by Russian Supreme Court.
2025	Plans to expand into a full brigade.

Strategic and Symbolic Role

The presence of Chechen fighters in Ukraine serves a dual purpose:

Militarily, they offer unmatched experience in guerrilla warfare.
Symbolically, they signal that Putin’s war machine is opposed not only abroad—but also from within.