Chechen Leader Calls Wagner's Former Mercenaries Practice With Akhmat Special Forces

Russian President Vladimir Putin with Ramzan Kadyrov. (Wikimedia Commons / bagel

JAKARTA - A large group of former Russian Wagner mercenaries, began training with special forces from the Chechen region of southern Russia, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov said.

In a post on Telegram Kadyrov, he said a large group of former Wagner soldiers were undergoing intensive training with Chechen Akhmat special forces.

"I am happy that today the ranks of the well-known unit (Akhmat) have joined the fighters who have excellent combat experience, have proven themselves to be brave and efficient fighters," Kadyrov said.

"I believe that in the upcoming battle, they will fully fulfill their reputation," Kadyrov continued.

It is unclear how many Wagner members took part, or whether any of them would remain with the Chechen squad after the training was complete.

Since Prigozhin's death, the Kremlin has rejected suggestions he was killed on the orders of President Vladimir Putin to punish him for the June uprising.

President Putin then took steps to put Wagner soldiers under state control, ordering them to sign a pledge of allegiance, although the Kremlin said the group was not officially present.