Analytical Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Sheikh Mansur Battalion |
| Founded | October 2014 |
| Founder | Free Caucasus Organization |
| Commander | Muslim Cheberloevsky (Umkhan Avtaev) |
| Chief of Staff | Muslim Idrisov |
| Affiliation | Volunteer unit coordinating with Ukrainian forces |
| Composition | Primarily Chechen veterans; includes other Caucasian and international volunteers |
| Operational Areas | Donetsk, Luhansk, Kyiv, Sievierodonetsk, Bakhmut |
| Specializations | Guerrilla warfare, reconnaissance, sabotage |
| Motto | “Marşo ya joƶalla” (“Freedom or Death”) |
| Status | Active |
Introduction
Since the outbreak of Russia’s war against Ukraine in 2014, numerous foreign volunteer units have joined Kyiv’s defense against aggression. Among them, none is more symbolically powerful—or historically charged—than the Sheikh Mansur Battalion, a unit of Chechen volunteers led by a seasoned commander and veteran of the Chechen wars: Muslim Cheberloevsky. This battalion is not only a military asset but also a living symbol of the ongoing struggle of the Chechen people against Russian imperialism.
Origins and Ideology
The Sheikh Mansur Battalion (Чеченський миротворчий батальйон імені Шейха Мансура) is a volunteer military unit composed primarily of Chechen fighters who oppose Russian imperialism. It was established in 2014, in the early days of Russia’s war in Eastern Ukraine by the Free Caucasus organization. The battalion was formed in Denmark and became the second Chechen volunteer unit in Ukraine, following the Dzhokhar Dudayev Battalion.
Its name honors Sheikh Mansur Ushurma, an 18th-century Chechen Sufi and military leader who led the first organized resistance against Tsarist Russia. Like their namesake, the members of the battalion see themselves as part of a long line of resistance fighters committed to preserving Chechen identity and independence.
The battalion was founded by Chechen veterans of the First and Second Chechen Wars, many of whom were living in exile across Europe, Georgia, and Turkey. Their objective was clear: to continue their fight against the Kremlin by supporting Ukraine in its own battle for sovereignty. The war in Ukraine became a new front in what many of them view as a single continuous struggle for freedom from Russian domination.
Structure and Operations
The battalion is commanded by Muslim Cheberloevsky (also known as Umkhan Avtaev), a veteran of the Chechen wars. His leadership has been pivotal in maintaining the battalion’s operational effectiveness and ideological commitment. Key figures in the battalion’s command structure include:
- Muslim Idrisov: Chief of Staff.
- Murad Khadizov (alias Mansur Samashkinsky): Press Secretary and Head of the Military Training Center.
- Anzor Maskhadov: Political Representative abroad.
- Islam Belokiev: Official Representative of the Information Service.
Under the leadership of Muslim Cheberloevsky, the battalion developed into a disciplined and combat-ready unit. Though initially informal, the battalion has increasingly cooperated with the Ukrainian Armed Forces and is now partially integrated under the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense.
Key Components of the Battalion:
- Reconnaissance Group “BShM”: Specializing in aerial reconnaissance and drone operations.
- 3rd Company “Makhno”: A mixed unit of Chechens and Ukrainians, named after the anarchist leader Nestor Makhno, reflecting a shared anti-imperialist ethos.
- Special Forces Unit “Black February” (Отряд особого назначения «Чёрный февраль»).
- Unit “Khortytsia” (Отряд «Хортица»).
- Special Forces Unit “Imamat” (Отряд особого назначения «Имамат»).
The Battalion’s Operational Timeline:
- 2014–2018: Fought in Donbas, notably around Shyrokyne, Avdiivka, and Mariupol.
- 2019–2021: Faced reduced activity due to regulatory pressures; operated mainly in reserve and training roles.
- 2022–Present: Reactivated during Russia’s full-scale invasion. Participated in the defense of Kyiv, as well as major battles in Mariupol, Sievierodonetsk, Bakhmut, and Soledar.
The battalion is known for its guerrilla-style tactics, urban combat capabilities, and strong morale. Its fighters are highly motivated, often fighting with the belief that a Ukrainian victory could pave the way for future independence of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria.
Ideology and Motivation
The fighters of the Sheikh Mansur Battalion are driven by a shared history of resistance against Russian domination and a commitment to the independence of Chechnya and other Caucasian nations. Many view their participation in Ukraine’s defense as a continuation of their struggle for freedom and a step toward the eventual liberation of their homelands.
The battalion’s motto, “Marşo ya joƶalla” (“Freedom or Death”), encapsulates their unwavering dedication to this cause.
Muslim Cheberloevsky: The Commander
Muslim Cheberloevsky, born Umkhan Dardailovich Avtaev, is a veteran of both the First (1994–1996) and Second (1999–2009) Chechen Wars. While detailed biographical information about his early life remains scarce, it is known that he rose through the ranks as a capable and fearless field commander during the conflicts.
After the Russian takeover of Chechnya, Cheberloevsky continued his resistance in exile. He resurfaced publicly in Ukraine in 2014, founding the Sheikh Mansur Battalion. In interviews, he has consistently described Vladimir Putin as his “primary enemy” and emphasized the shared struggle of Chechens and Ukrainians against Russian neo-imperialism.
Contrary to speculations about some Chechens joining conflicts in Syria, no evidence links Cheberloevsky to jihadist movements or to operations in the Middle East. His efforts have remained focused on national liberation rather than religious extremism.
Symbolic and Political Impact
The presence of the Sheikh Mansur Battalion has enormous symbolic significance. It openly challenges the legitimacy of Ramzan Kadyrov, the pro-Kremlin head of the Chechen Republic, who has attempted to delegitimize Ichkerian veterans by creating his own “Sheikh Mansur” unit inside the Russian army—an act widely viewed as symbolic appropriation.
In 2022, the Ukrainian Parliament formally recognized the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria as a temporarily occupied territory, providing further political validation for the Chechen resistance.
The battalion operates under the motto:
“Freedom or Death” (Свобода или смерть), echoing the ethos of the Ichkerian struggle.
Challenges and Recognition
Despite their contributions, members of the Sheikh Mansur Battalion have faced challenges, including a lack of formal recognition and support from Ukrainian authorities. Issues such as citizenship, legal status, and protection from extradition have been ongoing concerns.
In October 2022, the Ukrainian Parliament recognized the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria as a temporarily occupied territory, a symbolic gesture acknowledging the efforts of Chechen volunteers.
Presence in Media and Social Platforms
The battalion maintains a strong online presence to communicate with supporters and the diaspora:
- Telegram: @Batalon_Shaiha_Mansura
- YouTube: Various interviews, reports from the frontlines, and documentaries, including this report detailing its operations.
Public support campaigns have also helped supply the battalion with essential gear such as body armor, drones, and medical kits.
The Sheikh Mansur Battalion maintains an active presence on various social media platforms to share updates and engage with supporters:
- Telegram: Official Channel
- Instagram: Aerorozvidka BSHM
- Facebook: Aerorozvidka BSHM
Conclusion
The Sheikh Mansur Battalion is more than a military formation. It is a living testament to the resilience of the Chechen people, a continuation of Ichkeria’s fight for sovereignty, and a vital ally in Ukraine’s war for independence. In the face of Putin’s empire, these fighters have chosen solidarity, courage, and the hope of a free Caucasus.
Their presence on Ukrainian soil sends a clear message:
Russia’s imperial past will not dictate the future of free nations.
NEWS FROM THE BATTALION
May 11, 2023 – Memories of Bakhmut (RUS)
May 17, 2022 – Muslim Cheberloevsky about the fighters’ beliefs (RUS)
Ichkeria Digital Archive 