Kadyrov’s “Special Forces” Mocked by Russians as Ukraine Strikes Kursk (Video)

A fresh Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region has not only caused losses for Russian forces on the battlefield but also triggered significant internal discord within Russia’s military ranks. The battle has led to a fierce public spat, highlighting ongoing tensions between Russian military officials, war correspondents, and Kremlin propagandists.

Kadyrov’s notorious special forces, the “Akhmat” group, are once again being accused of failing to play an active role in the fighting. Major General Apti Alaudinov, the main Russian spokesperson on the Battle of Kursk, tried to justify his troops’ absence by claiming that the Ukrainian forces outflanked them. However, he did not take full responsibility for the group’s lack of presence at the front. Instead, Alaudinov directed the blame elsewhere, reinforcing the notion that his forces are somehow avoiding confrontation despite their prominent presence on social media.

The public’s reaction to the “invisible battalion” was swift, with many mocking the excuses from Kadyrov’s forces. Russian war correspondents, who have repeatedly witnessed the strategic absence of the “Kadyrovites” in battles, were quick to ridicule Alaudinov’s comments. Among them was the well-known Z-war correspondent, Alex Parker, who labelled the narrative a “circus” and mocked the flanking excuse, calling it an embarrassment.

While Russian officials continued to defend the performance of their military, the situation in Kursk remains tense. Ukrainian troops reportedly attacked Russian positions using two mechanized battalions with armoured vehicles. According to Russia’s Ministry of Defence, the Ukrainian assault was repelled, and the region is still under Russian control. However, the Ukrainian incursion on August 6, 2024, marked a significant moment in the ongoing war, as it was the first ground invasion of Russian territory since World War II. Kyiv’s forces advanced quickly, although Russia pushed back and regained control of some areas. The frontlines have remained largely static in recent months.