Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov: We Should Use Force against Any Provocation

In a recent Russia 24 interview, which aired on April 24, the President of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov said that Russia is under constant Western pressure and that according to his view, any Western provocation should be met with "forceful measures." He hinted that as a warrior, he was ready to resign from his presidential post in order to lead the troops in a future war against the West.

Following is a transcript:

Ramzan Kadyrov: [The West] is waging a battle against Russia. They have tried to exert pressure in every possible way, but unsuccessfully. There is a total squeeze on Russia.

Hostess: In what way is it threatening?

Ramzan Kadyrov: Without Russia, as our president has said, there is no world. It threatens the world community. That’s why I am confident that we will not surrender. We will defend our positions, the position of the Russian Federation and the people. Today, we are defending [the people] within the Syrian state.

Hostess: How should Russia respond?

Ramzan Kadyrov: Today, a powerful system has been operating against our state, and dozens of countries now support the West and Europe, and we are acting in a mild manner. So if tomorrow something happens, we can say to the world community: We told you so, we showed you, we asked for proof… This goes on, as it should. But if this continues, Russia must take measures.

Hostess: What kind of measures?

Ramzan Kadyrov: Forceful measures.

Hostess: In what way?

Ramzan Kadyrov: If you are asking me, Ramzan Kadyrov, any provocation used against Russia must be eliminated on the spot. I am talking as a warrior. I came to politics as a warrior. My favorite thing is to protect the people and the state by war, and that is why we are ready to fulfill any order, no matter how difficult. Whatever the Supreme Commander-in-Chief says is what will be. Our guys are ready, and I think that it is time for us, the generals, to put aside the authorities of the heads of federal subjects, and to take up positions, create some military divisions, and go forward, defending our state and the integrity of our state.

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