Kadyrov's militant network is expanding into the Russian north
The military instructors of Chechen ruler Ramzan Kadyrov are preparing Russian men for war and a militant organisation with links to Chechnya is establishing itself in a growing number of regions, including the Kola Peninsula.
Since its establishment in 2013, the so-called Russian Spetsnaz University in Gudermes, Chechnya, has trained thousands of men from all over Russia for military aggression and war. The full name of the center is the Russian Spetsnaz Unversity Named in the Honour of Vladimir Putin.
It is the pride of Ramzan Kadyrov and it was a big highlight for the militant ruler when Putin himself came to visit in August 2024.
"As long as we have men like you, we are absolutely unbeatable," Putin told warriors during his visit. "This center plays an important role in the defence capacity of the whole country," he later added.
Reportedly, more than 47,000 servicemen have undergone training in Gudermes since 2022. Of them, about 19,000 are so-called volunteers.
Among them is Sergei Rezantsev from the town of Olenegorsk in the Kola Peninsula. In December last year, the 43 year old man was awarded a medal for so-called "bravery" during the war in Ukraine. In a ceremony in Olenegorsk, the local town mayor described Rezantsev as "a true role model for patriotism."
In the ceremony, the warrior carried a uniform with the insignia of the Spetsnaz University.
Judging from Rezantsev's social media page, he has long experience from several Russian military operations, including in the North Caucasus.
With the training of soldiers from all over Russia, Ramzan Kadyrov is gradually building a network that includes representatives from major parts of the country.
In addition, Kadyrov and his men are also exerting growing influence and power across Russia through the VOIN ("Fighter"), a militant organisation that is opening offices in a number of Russian regions.
Among the people behind VOIN is Daniil Martynov, who for many years served as aide and head of security for Ramzan Kadyrov. Reportedly, Martynov is in charge of the organisational development of VOIN.
In 2013 he was instrumental in the establishment of the Spetsnaz University.
Martynov is believed to have a strong position in the FSB. For years, he also climbed the career ladder in the National Guard (Rosgvardia) and today holds the post as adviser on security for Minister of Emergency Situations (Emercom) Aleksandr Kurenkov.
Key mission for the VOIN is to provide so-called 'patriotic education' and combat training for teenage youngsters. The organisation has centres in at least 12 regions, among them the two far northern regions of Murmansk and Yamal Nenets Autonomous Okrug.
The center in Murmansk is headed by Aleksei Chufyrov, a 49-year old man with long previous experience from other paramilitary-style organisations for children and youth.
Chufyrov confirms that he recently took part in a comprehensive 10-day training program organised by the Spetsnaz University in Gudermes. Together with 253 representatives of other VOIN centres, he was drilled in shooting and drone flying by Chechen commanders.
More than 250 representatives of regional VOIN units meet at the so-called Spetsnaz University in Gudermes, Chechnya, for joint training. Video by Spetsnaz University/VOIN
Ramzan Kadyrov also has a Chechen representation office in Murmansk. It is headed by Aslambek Asaev.
Asaev closely cooperates with representatives of security services in Murmansk and regularly meets with regional Governor Andrei Chibis.
Judging from the Instagram page of Asaev, the two men met at a conference in August 2024.
Interestingly, Asaev also has a connection to Norway. For several years, he resided in the Scandinavian country and parts of his family are believed to still live there.
