Kathrine Frich
Kadyrov ordered Ukrainian prisoners to be placed on rooftops of military sites in Grozny.
Kadyrov ordered Ukrainian prisoners to be placed on rooftops of military sites in Grozny.
Kadyrov Indicted for War Crimes in Ukraine
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has indicted Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov in absentia.
He faces accusations of serious war crimes committed against Ukrainian soldiers, according to Kyiv Independent.
Investigators say evidence links him to direct orders of unlawful killings and the use of human shields.
Orders to Kill, Not Capture
According to investigators, Kadyrov himself admitted to giving brutal orders on the battlefield.
He directed his fighters to kill Ukrainian soldiers rather than take them prisoner.
Such statements, Ukrainian officials argue, represent a clear breach of international laws governing the treatment of combatants.
Captives Used as Human Shields
The charges also include claims that Kadyrov ordered Ukrainian prisoners to be placed on rooftops of military sites in Grozny.
The intent was to use them as human shields against drone attacks. This practice is explicitly forbidden under the laws and customs of war.
Violation of the Rome Statute
“These statements constitute a violation of the laws and customs of war applicable in armed conflicts, in accordance with the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court,” the SBU announced on Telegram.
The Rome Statute provides the legal basis for prosecuting war crimes internationally.
Criminal Code Charges Filed
Based on the new evidence, Kadyrov has been notified in absentia of suspicion under the Ukrainian Criminal Code.
The articles cited specifically address war crimes and violations of humanitarian law.
The SBU confirmed that additional legal steps are being prepared to strengthen the case.
Ongoing Efforts to Hold Him Accountable
“The SBU added that complex measures are underway to hold him accountable for crimes against Ukraine and its citizens.”
Ukrainian officials say the process will involve international cooperation and a push for accountability beyond Ukraine’s borders.
A Brutal Reputation in Chechnya
Kadyrov has ruled Chechnya since 2007, building a regime marked by fear and violence.
Under his leadership, the republic became infamous for enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial executions.
These patterns of abuse have drawn condemnation from rights groups worldwide.
International Sanctions Already in Place
The United States and its Western allies have imposed sanctions on Kadyrov and his family.
These measures stem from long-standing accusations of human rights violations in Chechnya.
The indictment in Ukraine adds another layer of international scrutiny to his rule.
Talk of Resignation Amid Pressure
In May 2025, Kadyrov reportedly asked Russian President Vladimir Putin for permission to resign as head of the Chechen Republic.
The request, covered by Russian state media outlet Chechnya Today, sparked speculation about his political future.
