Captured Akhmat fighter says he chose Ukraine, drone guided him away from Russian ranks
A captured fighter from the Akhmat unit, identified as Magomed, says he voluntarily sided with Ukraine and was led away from Russian positions by a drone. He also said previous Chechen defections had prompted Russian commanders to check soldiers' phones and tighten surveillance.
A captured fighter from the Akhmat unit, which fights on Russia's side, says he deliberately chose Ukraine and that a drone helped him leave the Russian ranks. The man, identified as Magomed, stated that he made the decision himself and that an unmanned aircraft guided him away from the positions of Russian forces.
According to Magomed, the move was not forced but a personal choice. He emphasized that he chose Ukraine, and the drone directed him out of the area controlled by Russian troops. No additional details have been provided about the exact circumstances of his crossing.
Magomed also told of earlier cases in which Chechen fighters had defected to Ukraine. Those incidents, he said, caused Russian commanders to tighten their grip on personnel. Commanders began checking fighters' phones and increased surveillance as a way to prevent further defections.
The testimony stands out because it is rare for a fighter from a Russian-backed unit to publicly discuss switching sides. Magomed's account, particularly the role of the drone and his stated personal choice, adds an unusual dimension to the ongoing conflict.
