Russian MP is ‘wounded in Ukrainian strike’

A Russian MP and close ally of Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov was believed to have been wounded in a recent Ukrainian artillery attack that a Russian colonel says was orchestrated by members of Russia’s own Wagner group led by Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Moscow sources denied Ukrainian reports that Adam Delimkhanov had been killed, but admitted that the powerful Chechen figure was injured in the attack that took place in Ukraine’s southern Zaporizhzhia region.

In a dramatic departure from his typical hateful tirades and “no mercy” approach to the war in Ukraine, a delirious Kadyrov appealed to the Kiev armed forces for information on the whereabouts and condition of his right-hand man.

“I myself cannot find Adam Delimkhanov in any way. He won’t get in touch,” Kadyrov wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

“I ask the Ukrainian intelligence service to provide information about exactly what place and positions were hit so that I can still find my dear BROTHER. I promise you a generous reward and I ask you to help.’

Earlier this week, 53-year-old Delimkhanov was in the Belgorod region to meet with Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov to arrange for Chechen troops to reinforce Russia’s border, which has been hit by incursions from anti-Putin partisans.

But Ukrainian political scientist Kirill Sazonov, who fights in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said Delimkhanov’s off-road convoy was hit while visiting Primorsk, Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region, and was attacked by gunners from the Banderlog MTR group.

Adam Delimkhanov (left) is pictured next to Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov

Ukrainian soldiers fire a grenade from a howitzer at a frontline, as the Russian assault on Ukraine continues, in the Zaporizhzhia region

A Russian colonel claimed that the Ukrainian artillery attack on Delimkhanov was orchestrated by members of Russia’s own Wagner group led by Yevgeny Prigozhin (pictured)

Ukrainian political scientist Kirill Sazonov, who fights in Ukraine’s armed forces, said Delimkhanov’s off-road convoy was hit while visiting Primorsk, in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region.

Sazonov claimed that the deputy and several of his associates died.

“Twelve helicopters arrived on the scene to secretly and promptly remove the bodies,” said Sazonov, who later posted the coordinates of the alleged Ukrainian attack.

Lieutenant Colonel Roman Venevitin – former commander of the 72nd Russian Brigade – sensationally claimed that Delimkhanov had been attacked after his location was leaked to “enemy intelligence” by pro-Putin Wagner mercenaries led by Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Venevitin was recently disarmed and captured by members of the Wagner group after allegedly shooting at a Wagner vehicle, underlining the tension between members of the regular Russian army and the Wagner mercenaries.

On good terms earlier in the war, Prigozhin and Kadyrov agreed that Moscow’s forces should step up their attacks on Ukraine, and called on Putin to step up the intensity of Russia’s “special military operation.”

But the pair recently fell out after Prigozhin accused Kadyrov’s forces of not being able to hold their positions in Donetsk. Kadyrov later replied, calling Prigozhin “a blogger who shouts to the world.”

“They have now retaliated against Ramzan Kadyrov, who previously threatened to reveal the sources of wealth of Prigozhin, who has been a food supplier to our army since 2006,” Venevitin said.

“Adam Delimkhanov, right-hand man of the President of Chechnya, is in critical condition after a targeted artillery attack by the UkroNazis.”

A dozen helicopters were needed to repatriate the injured and bodies, he claimed.

“Unfortunately, the losses are considerable,” concluded Venevitin.

Lieutenant Colonel Roman Venevitin – former commander of Russia’s 72nd Brigade – claimed Delimkhanov was attacked after his location was leaked to ‘enemy intelligence’ by pro-Putin Wagner mercenaries

Adam Delimkhanov, left, pictured with Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of the Belgorod region of Russia

Kirill Sazonov shared the coordinates of the attack that allegedly injured Delimkhanov, claiming it took place near Primorsk in the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine

Adam Delimkhanov (left), Ramzan Kadyrov

Delimkhanov represents Chechnya in the Russian parliament and was declared a Hero of Russia by Putin – the country’s highest honour.

He is Kadyrov’s closest ally and cousin, who in turn is a cheerleader for Putin and contributes thousands of troops to the dictator’s illegal war in Ukraine.

Kadyrov said this week he ordered Delimkhanov to meet the governor of Belgorod after Russian troops failed to defend the border.

“I am sure that, given the high combat capability of the [Chechen] Zapad-Akhmat battalion, the goals set for the unit will be achieved without much effort,” Kadyrov said.

Close Putin ally Vyacheslav Volodin, in a statement to the Russian parliament, insisted that Adam Delimkhanov was alive and said he had spoken to him.

But he gave no further details about an alleged attack on the MP.

“We have just seen information about [Russian MP] Adam Delimkhanov, that he is injured, [and] whether he is alive or not.

‘I just spoke to him. He’s alive…[and] wishes health for everyone.’

The news was greeted with applause by Russian MPs, but concern grew when Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: “We have received this information with great concern, we are concerned, like everyone else, for the Hero of Russia.

“We hope there will be clarity about what happened in the very near future,” suggesting that the Kremlin itself is unsure of Delimkhanov’s condition.