From February to April 2026, the “Shamanbat” special unit of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense, which includes fighters from the Free Ichkeria movement, together with the 104th Territorial Defense Brigade “Horyn,” and in coordination with Defense Intelligence’s agent operations unit, carried out a comprehensive operation aimed at eliminating mercenaries from the Russian National Guard unit “Akhmat,” which was operating against Ukraine on the Sumy axis.
Information about the Russian plans and intentions was provided to Ukrainian military intelligence by an agent — a former serviceman of “Akhmat,” with whom Intelligence Agency established contact in early 2025. Later, intelligence officers organized his safe transfer to Ukrainian-controlled territory.
The agent installed a listening device, delivered behind the front line via FPV drone, in the “Akhmat” command meeting room, allowing Defense Intelligence operatives to record conversations of the entire unit leadership.
The high level of intelligence on Russian plans and capabilities allowed Ukrainian special forces to carry out targeted strikes against Kadyrov’s forces during their movements and in concentration areas.
As a result of the operation, over two months “Akhmat” reportedly suffered its heaviest losses since the beginning of the full-scale invasion: 41 killed, 87 wounded, and more than 100 fighters listed as missing.
In addition, more than 160 units of armored and vehicle equipment were destroyed or damaged, along with over 25 UAVs of various types, as well as communication systems, electronic warfare and reconnaissance equipment, engineering tools, weapons and fuel depots, and other military assets.
The commander of the Ichkerian volunteers in the Defense Intelligence “Shamanbat,” Abdul Hakim, urged Chechens not to sign contracts or undergo mobilization into the Russian army. If enlistment cannot be avoided, he called on them to immediately contact Ukrainian intelligence and surrender in order to save their lives.
“What did Ukrainians do to you? Who among you did they kill? Take care of yourselves and come over to our side. Save your souls. You will be saved both in this world and the next. We know that many of you want to switch sides. Come over to our side. We will leave a bot for feedback for you,” Abdul Hakim said in his address.
