Kadîrov amplifies the threats coming from the Kremlin: “We are waiting for the order.” The Chechen leader promises a “very quick” confrontation with Europe
The bloodthirsty leader of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadîrov, has taken up and radicalized Vladimir Putin's recent messages about a possible conflict with Europe, saying that his forces are ready “at any moment” to start a war that “will not end in favor” of European countries. The statements were published by Kadîrov himself on his Telegram channel, in a message addressed directly to the Russian president.
Ramzan Kadîrov and Vladimir Putin/PHOTO; EPA/EFE
“We will not think, Vladimir Vladimirovich, we are waiting for the order,” Kadîrov wrote, claiming that “everything will end very quickly” if Europe decides to start a conflict with Russia. On an ironic note, the Chechen leader asked Putin if he “wouldn't be upset” if the Europeans “start apologizing willingly” in such a scenario.
The message was interpreted by analysts as an attempt to publicly validate warnings issued by Putin on December 2, when the Kremlin leader said that Russia was ready for a military conflict with Europe, even if it had no intention, at least declaratively, to start it.
ISW warns of a “Ukraine 2.0 scenario”
In parallel with Kadîrov's aggressive rhetoric, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) warns that Moscow is replicating, almost point by point, the information strategy used before the invasion of Ukraine — but this time directed against Moldova and the Baltic states.
In its December 3 report, ISW notes that senior Russian officials are “setting the conditions” to justify possible further military action. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused the Baltic states and Moldova of passing “racist” laws and “discriminating” against the Russian-speaking population — identical wording to those used by the Kremlin in 2021-2022 to discursively prepare aggression against Ukraine.
According to ISW, Russia has already entered what experts call “phase zero”: the stage in which the Kremlin is building the psychological and propaganda infrastructure necessary to legitimize a potential conflict with NATO, especially with Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Finland.
Kadîrov, between demonstrative loyalty and militaristic propaganda
Ramzan Kadîrov, whose public image has been built in recent years on military ostentation and unconditional loyalty to Putin, continues to appear in the public space with aggressive messages to the West. Independent Russian media recently reported that someone close to him had amassed no less than 80 official awards, and in September the Chechen leader was quick to dispel rumors of his health by posting a clip of him doing 50 push-ups in a row.
Against the background of these exits, diplomatic tensions between Moscow and European capitals are constantly increasing. Putin also issued a direct warning on December 2, claiming Russia was “ready” for a confrontation on the continent and suggesting the effects of an escalation would be “serious” for European states.
