The power of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov over Russian forces has increased significantly since 2022. An investigation by the Russian media outlet Proekt reveals that his personal army has grown from seven to 20 units.
**From Seven to Twenty Units**
Before Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Kadyrov’s army had seven paramilitary formations with around 6,000-8,000 fighters. By February 2022, this number had increased to about 12,000 personnel. The exact composition of these forces was unclear.
**New Additions**
By the end of 2024, Kadyrov’s influence expanded to include two additional National Guard regiments and an operational purpose battalion. A police regiment for facility protection was also added. Notably, eight units from Russia’s Defense Ministry structure were brought under his control.
**Kadyrov’s Claims**
Proekt reports that during a recent review, Kadyrov claimed 25,000 participants in his forces. However, the actual number and composition of these forces could not be independently verified.
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