— Mayrbek, how are you? In one of your interviews, you mentioned that you were in Kyiv.
— Yes, I was there the year before last. This city is very close to me, Ukrainians are an amazing people who do not lose optimism even under shelling. I am grateful to Ukraine for its support. Moreover, it was in Ukraine that the album was printed, the quality of which genuinely impressed me.
— You represented the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria in Sweden for many years. What do you do now?
— I used to be both a human rights activist and a human rights ombudsman, and now I am an advisor to Prime Minister Akhmed Zakayev on legal issues.
— Various Chechen organisations are operating in Europe. How do you distinguish patriots of Ichkeria from those associated with the FSB or Kadyrov?
— It’s not always obvious, but they are generally known by name. They don’t have formal organisations — they operate in networks. There are such people in Austria, Germany and Sweden. Remember the murder of Umar Israilov in Vienna, Zelimkhan Khangoshvili in Berlin — all this is the work of the Kremlin’s special services.
— Is Kadyrov’s security really impenetrable?
— His entourage is comparable in security level to Putin’s. Rumours about his illnesses are more like information “ducks”. In reality, it is challenging to remove him.
— Which Chechen organisations abroad deserve respect?
— First of all, the government of Ichkeria, headed by Akhmed Zakayev. He is a recognised leader, an authoritative and influential person. There are also human rights structures, for example, the organisation of Zaidin Ibragimov, which cooperates with the Council of Europe.
— Besides Ukraine, who supports the independence of Ichkeria?
— Many countries do not officially recognise Ichkeria, but they are tolerant of our structures. Turkey, for example, in 1999–2000 allowed me to work in the Chechen-Caucasian Committee, hold conferences, and publish the newspaper “Caucasian Herald .” But there is no open support like in Ukraine anywhere else.
— And what about the Arab countries? The Emirates, Qatar?
— During the war, they sympathised with the Chechens and accepted refugees. Yandarbiyev was respected in Qatar, but even there, he was killed by Russian special services. There was no direct recognition, as in Ukraine.
— Which peoples of Russia have a real chance of independence?
— First of all, the Caucasians. They have always been the first opponents of the Russian Empire. Tatarstan is also actively working — there are strong leaders, for example, Nafis Kashapov. At the conference of the nations of Russia in Kyiv, I met with representatives of the Tatars, Circassians, and Bashkirs. These movements are alive and active!
— And are there no contradictions among the Chechens themselves?
— The main confrontation is with the Kadyrov camp. There are other groups trying to argue with the Zakayev government, but there is no serious alternative to it.
— In which European countries do Kadyrov’s supporters feel most confident?
— Austria, Germany — they are most active there. The Austrian authorities are even threatening to deport Chechens, which is prohibited by international law. Zelimkhan was killed in Germany, and Putin personally congratulated the perpetrator. In general, before the war, many countries took a pro-Russian position, including Sweden, but now everything is changing in favour of Ukraine.
— Is Russia weakening?
— Absolutely. This empire is bursting at the seams. Ukraine has become a sincere ally, and for the first time in history, the different nationalities of Russia have a real chance for freedom.
— How do you assess the Russian opposition?
— They do not want the collapse of Russia. Their goal is only a change of power, but the preservation of the empire. They are not allies for enslaved peoples.
— What would you like to say to Ukrainians?
— We appreciate your feat and your support. Chechens, Caucasians, Georgians and many other nations stand on the side of an independent Ukraine. Inshallah, our union will be unbreakable, and Russia will become the last empire and will soon disappear!
