Russian state media have brought into the open a conflict between the Ministry of Defense and the Chechen unit Akhmat, along with its commander, Apti Alaudinov. Ukrainian journalist Denys Kazanskyi has reported on renewed tensions between Russian authorities and the Chechen formation Akhmat, including with its leader Alaudinov. According to Kazanskyi, there are moves to bring the unit fully under the command structure of Russia’s Ministry of Defense, stripping Chechen authorities of their previous influence in the military sector.

Kazanskyi cited reports in Russian Telegram channels describing a dispute between Defense Minister Andrey Belousov and Alaudinov. The Russian Ministry of Defense has launched what it calls a “sweeping purge” within Akhmat, with plans to require its leadership to meet the same standards enforced on other Russian units.