Zelensky calls on Washington to oust Kadyrov, just as it did with Maduro

In a new escalation of political rhetoric coinciding with recent international developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky the United States to exert maximum pressure on Russia, proposing a qualitative operation aimed at overthrowing Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov , inspired by the scenario recently implemented by Washington with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

A call to replicate Maduro's process

In his remarks, Zelenskyy asserted that the operation that led to Maduro's transfer to the United States proved beyond any doubt that Washington possesses the capability and influence to directly impact its adversaries, and even Moscow, should the political will exist. The Ukrainian president also suggested that targeting Kadyrov, one of the Kremlin's most powerful figures, would give Russian President Vladimir Putin pause before continuing his ongoing war against Kyiv.

Zelensky stressed the need for US action, saying, "They have to put pressure on Russia; they have the necessary tools, and they know very well how to do it." He added, in a tone that blended seriousness with political irony, referring to Maduro's arrest: "If the United States is capable of doing this with dictators, it certainly knows what it needs to do in other contexts.".

Who is Ramzan Kadyrov and why is Zelensky targeting him?

To understand the implications of this invitation, one must consider the pivotal role Ramzan Kadyrov plays in the Russian landscape. Kadyrov has led the Russian republic of Chechnya since 2007, inheriting power and influence in a region historically a hotbed of tension. Over the years, Kadyrov has become one of Putin's closest allies, repeatedly describing himself as the Russian president's "foot soldier.".

Since the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian war in early 2022, Kadyrov has not only provided political support, but has also sent thousands of Chechen fighters (known as "Kadyrovets") to participate in battles on the front lines, making him a direct and constant target of Ukrainian and Western criticism.

Strategic dimensions and potential impact of the move

Zelensky's call comes at a sensitive time, as Kyiv seeks to open unconventional fronts of pressure on Moscow. Analysts believe that targeting a figure of Kadyrov's stature carries not only a military dimension, but also profound political and psychological messages

• Internal destabilization: Kadyrov is considered a key guarantor of stability in the Russian Caucasus region, and any challenge to his authority could create internal chaos that would distract the Kremlin from the Ukrainian front.
• A message of deterrence: The invitation aims to show that Russian arms are not beyond the reach of the long arm of the United States and its allies.
• Changing the rules of engagement: shifting from direct military confrontation to targeting symbols of the Russian regime and its allies using intelligence and security methods.

This call remains an indication of Kyiv’s desire to internationalize the conflict to include targeting specific figures whom it considers key drivers of the Russian war machine, taking advantage of the international momentum generated by recent developments in the Venezuelan situation.