Muslim Corps "Caucasus"
Anti-Russian Chechen volunteer unit
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The Muslim Corps “Caucasus”(Ukrainian: Мусульманський корпус «Кавказ», romanized: Musulʹmansʹkyy korpus «Kavkaz») abbreviated as MK Kavkaz, also called the Sabotage and Reconnaissance Group “Unified Caucasus” Ukrainian: диверсійно розвідувальна група «Єдиний Кавказ», romanized: Dyversiyno Rozviduvalʹna Hrupa «Yedynyy Kavkaz», or DRG “Unified Caucasus” is a volunteer unit within the Armed Forces of Ukraine composed primarily of Caucasus volunteers fighting as a united front against Russia in the Russo-Ukrainian war.
Ukraine
Chechen Republic of Ichkeria Ukraine
Armed Forces of Ukraine| Muslim Corps “Caucasus” MK Kavkaz | |
|---|---|
| Мусульманський корпус «Кавказ» Musulʹmansʹkyy korpus «Kavkaz» | |
| |
| Active | 2022 – present |
| Countries | Ukraine Chechen Republic of Ichkeria |
| Allegiance | Ukraine |
| Branch | Armed Forces of Ukraine |
| Type | Infantry |
| Role | Sabotage and reconnaissance |
| Engagements | Russo-Ukrainian war |
| Website | ichkeria.net |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Muaz "KBK" Kabardinsky |
History
Formation
MK Kavkaz was first formed in Kyiv[1] beginning in 2022 during the outbreak of the Russo-Ukrainian war, many of the units servicemembers are veterans of the Donbass War which began in 2014.[2][3] The unit was created at the request of Muslims living in Ukraine following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.[2] Although not part of the International Legion, the unit is primarily made up of Muslim volunteers from throughout the Caucasus and Ukraine including Azerbaijanis, Circassians, Tatars, Uyghurs, Chechens, Ingush people, Avars, and other Muslims in Ukraine.[2] The unit most notably took part in the Battle of Kyiv (2022) and the Battle of Bakhmut.[3][4]
Terrorism accusations and controversy
The Ministry of Justice in Russia has accused Russian members of MK Kavkaz of treason and terrorism under Article 207.3 and Article 275 of the criminal Code of Russia, among those prosecuted are Muaz Kibishev, a volunteer of MK Kavkaz from Kabardino-Balkaria.[4][5][6] Kibishev, a resident of Ukraine since 2021, stated in an interview with Radio Free Europe that he volunteered for service in MK Kavkaz dude to the persecution of his religion while living in Russia where he was arrested and forced to live in a penal colony.[7][5] The Russian government has claimed that Kibishev has ties to the United Vilayat of Kabarda, Balkaria and Karachay, however, Kibishev claims that weapons were planted on him by Russian authorities.[5][7]
Special Eurasia, has accused volunteers of MK Kavkaz of belonging to both the Caucasus Emirate and Ajnad al-Kavkaz, both of which are Salafi jihadist groups which fought in the Second Chechen War and the Syrian civil war.[8] Russian journalist Semyon Pegov of WarGonzo claimed in a 2022 post on Zen that MK Kavkaz is affiliated with Neo-Nazism and is a consolidated unit of Jihadism fighters.[9]
Commanders
- Muaz Kabardinsky - Nom de guerre "Muaz KBK", one of the founders and the main commanders of MK Kavkaz.[10] Kabardinsky has previously voiced opposition to Kyiv's support of Israel.[11]