7 April 2025
Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov accused the "Akhmat" unit of incompetence, sparking outrage among Ramzan Kadyrov's supporters. Solovyov quickly released a video apology, attempting to smooth over the conflict.
Later, Molfar analysts obtained an SD card containing photos that appeared to depict Russian occupiers. This material includes the de-anonymization of these individuals.
How We Identified the Unit
Examining patches is one of the most straightforward ways to determine the unit. In several photos featuring Russian military personnel, patches, and the occupiers' vehicles are visible. Using reverse image searches, we identified the units to which they belong.
A person wearing this patch likely belongs to a unit within the structures of the Russian Ministry of Defense (1, 2, 3, 4)
The vehicle likely bears the "Akhmat" emblem.
Octagonal emblems probably indicate affiliation with "Akhmat" (1, 2). The code "21" signifies the registration of the vehicle within the Southern Military District (Russian: Южный военный округ) (1, 2), which from 1992 to 2010 was known as the North Caucasus Military District.
This is likely the patch of the separate battalion "Zapad Akhmat" (1, 2) or the 1434th regiment "Akhmat-Chechnya" (1, 2, 3, 4).
The low quality of the photos of the chevrons made identification more difficult. Some of the chevrons may be homemade or modified, but the overall design indicates affiliation with the "Akhmat" unit. At the same time, precise identification of a specific battalion is sometimes complicated by possible variations in the appearance of the chevrons. In particular, the shape of the white edging under the presumed Kadyrov in a hat resembles the inscription on the "Akhmat-West" chevron, while in other battalions, this detail looks slightly different.
How the Unit Members Were Unmasked
The "Akhmat" unit members were identified by analyzing their profiles on Russian social networks. Photos, contact details, and other information confirming their affiliation with the unit were collected.
Arsbi Abdulkerimov (Russian: Абдулкеримов Арсби)
Born on March 5, 1999. Likely serves in the "Akhmat" unit (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). On the Russian social network VK, he lists his place of residence as Grozny. On the social network OK, he is tagged in a photo of the "Akhmat" unit.
A photo in which Arsbi Abdulkerimov is tagged on the Russian social network OK.
Valid Sulimanovich Khasuev (Russian: Хасуев Валид Сулиманович)
Born on June 16, 1995. The photo was identified using matching software.
His email address: [email protected]
His account: VK
Phone numbers: +7 930 419 9434, +7 949 604 9279, +7 964 074 4402
Hussein Akhmadov / Yusup Said-Mukhamadovich Kupchiyev (Russian: Ахмадов Хусейн / Купчиев Юсуп Сайд-Мухмадович)
A reverse image search revealed two individuals who resemble each other. The first one is likely Akhmadov Khuseyn, born on March 6, 2001. He belongs to the "Akhmat" special forces unit named after A.A. Kadyrov (1, 2). He is also a GRU special forces operative (1, 2). The other individual is presumably Yusup Kupchiyev. He also posted his photo on VK, wearing a military uniform with the inscription "Special Regiment A.A. Kadyrov."
On the left is a photo of Yusup in the "Akhmat" military uniform. On the right — standing near a car with license plates belonging to the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation.
At the end of 2024, he posted a photo on the Russian social network VK, standing in front of a car with a visible license plate registered in the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation. The Russian’s social media accounts are VK, OK (presumably). Email — [email protected]. Phone — +79317774776.
Khamzat Mustapaevich Betmurzaev (Russian: Бетмурзаев Хамзат Мустапаевич)
Born on January 7, 1998. Belongs to the "Akhmat" unit.
Several Russian social network profiles: VK, VK2, VK3, OK1, OK2.
Phone numbers: +7 963 984 0836, +7 995 807 7014.
His father is Mustap Betmurzaev (OK).
One of his profiles contains photos in military uniform, published in July 2022.
In the center — Khamzat Betmurzaev.
Giorgi Mikelashvili (Russian: Георги Микелашвили)
This is a probable identified person— Giorgi Mikelashvili. He was born on February 1, 1996, and registered on the Russian social network OK. In 2014, he posted a photo in military uniform, likely taken du
The photo of Giorgi Mikelashvili from the social network is OK.
Salman Tataev (Russian: Салман Татаев )
This is a probable identified person — Salman Tataev. Born on June 16, 1992. Affiliated with "Zapad Akhmat" (1, 2).
His profile on OK.
Nokhcho Mokhmad (Russian: Нохчо Мохмад)
This is a probable identified person — Nokhcho Mokhmad. Born on September 9, 1975. Belongs to the Russian unit "Zapad Akhmat" (1, 2).
He has a profile on the Russian social network OK, where in December 2022 (shortly before the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine) he posted a photo in Russian military uniform holding a rifle.
Photo of Nokhcho Mokhmad from December 2022 on OK.
Zaur Ahmed (Russian: Заур Ахмед)
This is a probable identified person. Born on April 22, 1975. Belongs to the "Zapad Akhmat" unit (1, 2).
Social network: OK.
About the Akhmat Unit
The "Akhmat" unit is a military formation within the Russian National Guard (Rosgvardiya). It is controlled by Ramzan Kadyrov and named after Akhmat Kadyrov, Ramzan's father. "Akhmat" fighters have been participating in the war against Ukraine since 2022. Despite their active involvement, "Akhmat" is more known for its propaganda than combat effectiveness.
Some military journalists claim that "Akhmat" has a reputation as a non-serious unit, often labeled as "TikTok troops" due to their focus on staged content and lack of battlefield efficiency. Reports suggest that the unit is a blocking force to control other Russian units, preventing them from retreating. There have been instances where "Akhmat" fighters allegedly forced other Russian soldiers to attack under threat. Despite all this, they remain an enemy that has come to our lands with war, and they should not be underestimated.
