You're reading: Kadyrov: Chechens ready to keep peace in Crimea

Head of Russia's internal republic of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov is ready to protect the rights of the Russian-speaking people in Crimea that sees disturbances over the change in authorities.

“Ukraine and Russia are fraternal peoples. I have many Ukrainian
friends, and like them all and regret what has recently been happening
there The majority of people living today in Crimea are Russians,
Cossacks. We are always with them and if necessary are ready to come to
the rescue. We will stand up for Russians, Cossacks and Chechens no
matter where they live,” Kadyrov told journalists on Wednesday.

Chechens are “a part of multiethnic and multi-religious Russia” and live “in friendship with all peoples,” he said.

“We are called upon to protect our peoples. If necessary, we are
ready to go, to be observers. If necessary, we are ready to be
peacekeepers and soldiers and protect the people,” Kadyrov said.

He also called on Crimean Tatars not to fan up tensions. “Those who
came to the square [outside the Crimean parliament building in
Simferopol] today and say that they were deported, heat up tensions.
Chechens, the whole Chechen people, were departed as well […] I think if
one is unhappy, he should act in line with the law rather than profit
from the moment, gather in groups and shout various slogans,” Kadyrov
said.