After the official recognition of Ichkeria as occupied by the «Russian Federation», the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine took the next step in support of the Chechen people’s struggle for national liberation. Yesterday, the head of the Committee on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Alexander Merezhko, and a member of the same committee, Bogdan Yaremenko, officially received Anzor Maskhadov, the representative of the Sheikh Mansur Battalion, and Yambulat Suleymanov, the head of the Bart Marcho and Tolam organizations, within the walls of the Ukrainian parliament. Information about the meeting was published on the websites of the Verkhovna Rada and its relevant committees, the representation of Ukraine in the Council of Europe, as well as prominent Ukrainian politicians.
In this case, it is noteworthy that the first steps towards official cooperation with representatives of Ichkeria were taken by Ukrainian officials together with Maskhadov-Suleymanov, and not by Ahmed Zakayev. It is known that Zakayev also has Chechen volunteer formations supporting him on Ukrainian territory. He has opened his representation there and conducts his political activities, which would not be possible without a certain degree of support in Kyiv.
We would like to emphasize that in discussing this we are in no way trying to elevate some candidates for the role of Ichkeria’s representative and demean others. While we have great respect for Jambulat’s brother, considering that he embodies the optimal combination of Islamic worldview and national-political realism, the essence of the problem lies in the fact that Ichkeria has yet to (re)establish itself both factually and diplomatically, and there are already several contenders to represent it, even within Ukraine. And while they are recognized by foreign states on a semi-official level (since it is not yet diplomatic recognition), they do not recognize each other.
So this news evokes mixed feelings. On the one hand, it is good that Ichkeria is not only recognized in general, but also that interactions with its specific representatives have begun. On the other hand, it is sad that the candidates themselves do not recognize each other.
Therefore, we sincerely hope that our Chechen brothers, for the sake of Allah, will overcome personal grievances and find a way to reconciliation and unity. May the flag of Ichkeria be held in strong hands and not be torn from the hands of one Chechen by another for the pleasure of the enemies.