Kadyrov proposes lifting US sanctions on his family in exchange for the release of Ukrainian soldiers

The President of the Russian Republic of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, suggested that the United States lift sanctions imposed on his relatives in exchange for the release of captured soldiers from Ukrainian forces.

Kadyrov told former US intelligence officer Scott Ritter, who arrived in Grozny yesterday, Thursday: “There is an interesting offer for our guest. We have prisoners that we took in Donetsk and Lugansk. I will present (a list of names) to our guest if they lift the sanctions on my mother, my daughters, innocent people, and horses, except for me.” Add more sanctions against me, and we will extradite these people.”

The President of the Chechen Republic expressed this proposal during a parade of the republic's security forces in the capital, Grozny, and also showed a video message from prisoners who demanded the lifting of the "ridiculous and ineffective sanctions" against Kadyrov's relatives, his horses and aircraft.

In the video, a former Ukrainian soldier noted that if the United States met these conditions, 20 Ukrainian soldiers would return to their homeland.

Yesterday, Thursday, the President of the Chechen Republic said that the former United Nations inspector for the disarmament of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction, Scott Ritter, who previously worked in American intelligence, arrived in Grozny on a visit.

Kadyrov noted that during an informal conversation, they discussed the situation in the world and the special military operation in Ukraine.

Scott Ritter is widely known for his constant criticism of US foreign policy, as well as the actions of the Ukrainian side. 

Pyongyang: We fired artillery shells in response to South Korean exercises

Yonhap reported, citing North Korean media, that Pyongyang fired artillery into the sea in response to the exercises conducted by South Korea.

The agency added that Pyongyang also announced that it would respond in an unprecedented manner in the event of “enemy provocations” by Seoul.

On Friday morning, the North Korean army fired coastal artillery on its territory within the demilitarized maritime zone in the area of ​​the South Korean islands of Pangyeong and Yeonpyeongdo. North Korean soldiers fired more than 200 rounds, which did not result in any injuries or damage. The missiles fell north of the northern border line in the Yellow Sea, that is, on North Korean territory.

Media previously reported that South Korea and the United States conducted live-fire exercises near the border with North Korea until January 5, with the aim of increasing joint combat readiness. In the same week, the South Korean army itself conducted a number of other exercises and maneuvers.