Ukrainian intelligence uses insider to defeat Chechen Kadyrov forces fighting for Russia
Fighters of special unit of Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (photo: Getty Images)
From February to April 2026, a special operation was carried out to eliminate mercenaries of the Akhmat unit of the Russian National Guard in the Sumy direction (northeastern region of Ukraine), reports the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
The operation involved the special unit of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Shamanbat, which includes fighters of free Ichkeria, together with the 104th Territorial Defense Brigade Horyn, in cooperation with the intelligence operations unit of the Main Intelligence Directorate.
"Information about the enemy's plans and intentions was passed to military intelligence by an agent — a former serviceman of the Akhmat unit, with whom the Main Intelligence Directorate established contact at the beginning of 2025. Later, intelligence officers organized the agent's safe transfer to territory controlled by Ukraine," the intelligence service said.
The agent installed a listening device, which he received beyond the frontline with the help of a drone, in a meeting room of the Akhmat unit. As a result, operatives of the Main Intelligence Directorate were aware of conversations of the entire command staff of the unit.
Awareness of the enemy's plans and capabilities allowed Ukrainian special forces to carry out targeted strikes against Kadyrov forces during their movements and in concentration areas.
As a result of the special operation, Akhmat suffered its highest losses during the full-scale war: 41 killed and 87 wounded. More than one hundred Kadyrov fighters are considered missing.
In addition, more than 160 units of armored and motor vehicles were destroyed or damaged, as well as more than 25 drones, communication systems, electronic warfare and signals intelligence systems, engineering equipment and machinery, and depots of weapons and fuel.
Fighters of the Main Intelligence Directorate near temporarily occupied Berdiansk eliminated Kadyrov forces who had organized an illegal business involving stolen fuel.
In addition, according to the partisan movement Atesh, Kadyrov forces attempted to expand their influence in Tokmak in the Zaporizhzhia region, in particular to establish control over local businesses.
