Sabotage and reconnaissance group “Ediny Kavkaz”

(Мусульманский корпус «Кавказ» / DRG “Unified Caucasus”)

Formation

The Muslim Corps “Caucasus” was founded in 2022 as a volunteer unit composed primarily of Muslims from the North Caucasus (mainly Chechnya, Dagestan, and Ingushetia) living in Ukraine or within the diaspora. In some Russian sources, the group is also referred to as the Reconnaissance and Sabotage Group “Unified Caucasus” (ДРГ «Единый Кавказ»), although it retains the same structure and objectives.

Motivation and Ideology

The Corps is guided by a pan-Caucasian and Islamic vision of resistance to Russian imperialism. Its members see the defense of Ukraine as directly linked to the liberation struggles of the peoples of the Caucasus.

“We are obliged to fight for Ukraine because we are its citizens — but also because its freedom is the condition for ours.”

The unit’s commander has also issued a public appeal to Muslims fighting for the Russian army, urging them to lay down their weapons or at least refrain from fighting “against justice.”

Insight – Interview with Muaz Kibishev, fighter in the Battalion (RUS)

Insight: Interview with ad “Ediny Kavkaz” Fighter (RUS)

Insight: The Russian Federation has opened a criminal case for “treason” against a fighter of “United Caucasus” (RUS)

Composition

Muslim volunteers from Chechnya, Dagestan, and Ingushetia
Other Muslim residents of Ukraine
Some Muslims from Azerbaijan, residents in Ujkraine
Tatars from Crimea
Veterans of the Donbas war (2014–2016)
Mostly Ukrainian citizens

The group operates under the Ukrainian Armed Forces, while maintaining a distinct identity and ideological orientation.

Structure and Activities

Although not formally part of the International Legion, the Corps works in coordination with the Ukrainian army. It specializes in reconnaissance, sabotage, and light tactical operations in frontline sectors.

GoPro footage of Muslim Corps "Caucasus" figther Muaz, firing NSV 12.7mm heavy machine gun at russian position. Bakhmut, January 2023.
byu/mNohcho inCombatFootage

Operational Areas

The Battalion fought in the defense of Kiyv during the early stages of the conflict. Then it was transferred to the border with Belarus.

Reorganized, it was deployed to Bakhmut, where it fought on the front line for several months, and participated in some counteroffensives to the north and south of the fortress city.

After the fall of the city, the Battalion was reorganized again, and deployed on the Russian border.