Ramzan Kadyrov, the ruler of the Russian Republic of Chechnya, has expressed disappointment that Moscow won't launch ground operations in Syria to aid Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Speaking to the press today, Kadyrov vowed that Chechen soldiers would be the first to join such an assault, if the Kremlin changes its policy.
“It's a shame that Russia's operation will only be air strikes. But if an infantry is needed for the fight against ISIL in Syria, we [Chechnya] will be the first to go. Our military readiness is second to none,” Kadyrov said, vowing that several thousand Chechen soldiers could be ready to join a ground war at any time.
On September 30, Russia's Senate unanimously authorized President Putin to use military force to aid Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who formally requested Russian assistance. Kremlin officials say Moscow will limit its assistance to air strikes, ruling out ground operations.