Ukraine's troops inflict Kadyrov unit its biggest losses since 2022
Illustrative photo: Ukrainian fighters destroyed Kadyrov's units (Getty Images)
Special forces of Ukraine’s military intelligence carried out a successful operation that destroyed one of the largest groups of the Akhmat unit since the start of the full-scale war, citing Ukraine's Defense Intelligence.
In early March 2026, fighters of the special unit Shamanbat, which includes soldiers of Free Ichkeria, together with the 104th Territorial Defense Brigade Horyn, conducted an operation in coordination with an agent operations unit.
“Using drone and artillery strikes, intelligence fighters destroyed enemy transport and armored vehicles and inflicted the largest manpower losses on Kadyrov’s forces since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale aggression,” the intelligence said.
According to a brief announcement, enemy losses may amount to at least several dozen killed and around 80 wounded.
Details of the operation are not being disclosed at this time. Intelligence promised to release more information in the near future.
“Watch the premiere of the chronicle of the unique operation to destroy the Akhmat fighters on May 1, 2026, on the official platforms of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence,” the agency added.
About the Akhmat unit
The Akhmat unit is a formation linked to Chechnya’s security structures and controlled by the head of the republic, Ramzan Kadyrov.
In Ukraine, its fighters are often referred to as Kadyrovtsy. They have been taking part in combat operations on Russia’s side since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
According to Ukrainian sources, Akhmat units are used as assault or blocking detachments, as well as for information and propaganda purposes.
They have repeatedly been accused of cruel treatment of prisoners and civilians, which may show signs of war crimes.
After Russia invaded Ukraine, Akhmat received the ironic nickname "TikTok troops" due to a tendency to produce staged videos in relatively quiet sectors of the front.
Unlike regular Russian units, Akhmat has much better supplies and funding, which often causes interethnic conflicts within the Russian grouping.
According to the partisan movement Atesh, representatives of Kadyrov’s units tried to expand their influence in the Zaporizhzhia region, to establish control over local businesses.
