The head of Russia’s Chechen region, Ramzan Kadyrov, has said he is opposed to negotiations to end the war in Ukraine and believes Russia should continue fighting.
According to foreign news agencies, Kadyrov made the remarks while speaking to journalists at the Kremlin, saying: “I believe the war should be taken to its logical conclusion… I am against negotiations.”
The statement came at a time when Russian President Vladimir Putin was holding talks with the President of the United Arab Emirates.
Often describing himself as President Putin’s “foot soldier”, Kadyrov is regarded as one of the Kremlin’s most vocal supporters.
His comments reflect the views of hardline circles who believe Russia has gained the upper hand in the four-year-long conflict and should press on.
However, the decision to halt or continue the war ultimately rests with President Putin.
The Kremlin has said Russia prefers to achieve its objectives in Ukraine through diplomacy, but if that proves impossible, it will pursue them through military means.
