Reports have emerged suggesting that another influential figure in Europe is quietly amassing a private army following the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Ramzan Kadyrov, the formidable Chechen leader often referred to as Vladimir Putin’s ‘attack dog,’ is allegedly strengthening his personal armed forces, raising concerns within Russia and beyond.

Initially, it was anticipated that thousands of recruits would be sent to Ukraine to bolster existing numbers, but suspicions about Kadyrov’s intentions have arisen.

One theory posits that Kadyrov is holding his troops in reserve, prepared to quell any potential uprisings against Putin, particularly in the wake of recent protests in the republic of Bashkortostan. Another theory suggests that in the event of Putin’s demise, Kadyrov may seek to break away from Russia and establish an independent state.

By creating new military units, the 47-year-old leader is, in the view of the independent media outlet Kavkaz Realii, effectively strengthening his personal army at the expense of the Russian federal budget. Regiments named “Akhmat-Russia” and “Akhmat-Chechnya” are officially under Russia’s Ministry of Defence and were ostensibly formed for potential involvement in the conflict in Ukraine, though their deployment dates remain undisclosed.

As of the end of May 2023, approximately 2,400 recruits had reportedly been selected, but the exact size of Kadyrov’s private army remains shrouded in mystery. Previously, Kadyrov had boasted of commanding tens of thousands of soldiers.

Notably, among his troops are former Wagner mercenaries, who once served Prigozhin. Political analyst Mikhail Savva commented, “There is a clear surplus of these military units in Chechnya. It is absolutely obvious that this is done in the interests of Kadyrov personally and his regime, and against the interests of the federal government of Russia.”

Savva further speculated that Kadyrov’s force could be deployed “in case of any instability or destabilisation within Russia.” He added, “Kadyrov must understand that the current Russian regime is very unstable, and its sudden collapse could happen. In that case, he will have his own army, which will allow him, as it is already evident, not only to control the territory of the republic but also to exert influence in neighbouring regions.”