Vladimir Putin signed a decree on April 16 appointing Commander of the Akhmat Spetsnaz - Apty Alaudinov - as the Deputy Head of the Main Directorate for Military-Political Work at the Russian MoD. This part of the Russian MoD is involved in ensuring Russian forces follow closely to Russia’s political ideology. This move is noteworthy due to not only it falls on the 15th year anniversary of the Kremlin declaring victory in Chechnya but also since it follows Kadyrov’s recent announcement that 3,000 former Wagner Group members would join the Akhmat Spetsnaz.

The ISW notes two probable reasons for this move by Putin. First, he is probably trying to establish safeguards to ensure Chechen leadership remains loyal to the Kremlin since Kadyrov’s forces continue to grow. Second, it might be a way to continue formalizing these atypical units under the MoD. In other words, ensure these forces remain loyal and reigned in under Putin’s control.

(2/2)