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The Rise of Ethnic Tensions in Russia
Ethnic Tensions and Unlikely Alliances: The Meeting Between Chechen and Neo-Nazi Leaders in Russia’s Military
On January 6, 2025, a surprising and controversial meeting between two seemingly incompatible figures in Russia’s military was made public. Apti Alaudinov, commander of the Chechen Akhmat special forces, and Alexey “Serb” Milchakov, leader of the neo-Nazi paramilitary group Rusich, sat down for a friendly conversation in an effort to smooth over ethnic tensions within Russia’s armed forces. The meeting, accompanied by public statements from both sides, has drawn widespread attention and highlighted the deep divisions in Russia’s military coalition, which has relied on a mix of ideologically and ethnically diverse groups to continue its war effort in Ukraine.
While framed as a gesture of unity, the meeting exposes the contradictions and fragility of Russia’s military alliances, particularly as the prolonged conflict in Ukraine exacerbates internal frictions. This article delves into the background of the meeting, the key players involved, and the broader implications for Russia’s military and political stability.
The meeting between Apti Alaudinov and Alexey Milchakov was publicized through a video and statements on Telegram, where both leaders addressed the tensions between their factions and sought to project an image…
