EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of the Chechen Free Dispatch, I speak with Ibrahim Yangulbaev of ADAT about his experiences under the Kadyrov regime, the relationship between Kadyrov and the Kremlin, Russification and Chechen identity, Islam and the legacy of the Chechen Wars, the 1944 deportation, and the future of Chechnya and the independence movement.

The interview was recorded on May 25, 2025, in Russian with live English interpretation by Katerina through Tarjimly. The original conversation ran for roughly two hours and has been edited down substantially for length and clarity. Because the translation was originally provided live and later retimed over portions of Ibrahim’s Russian, there are a few rough edges in the interpretation and transitions.

Discussion of current events reflects the situation and Ibrahim’s views at the time of recording. Before publication, I also contacted Ibrahim for an updated assessment of the situation in Chechnya.

WEBSITE

More from the Chechen Free Dispatch, including previous episodes, sources, contact information, and further reading can be found at ⁠https://linktr.ee/chechenfreedispatch⁠

FEEDBACK

Thoughts? Suggestions? Complaints? Email them to chechenfreedispatch@gmail.com

MUSIC

Intro: Anthem of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria

⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TUCZzdBtOI⁠

Outro: «Свобода Чечни» (“Freedom of Chechnya”) by ADAT

⁠https://youtu.be/Su3_NiMr4MQ⁠

Чечня сражалась!

Свобода Чечни — не просьба и не торг,Не милость палачей, не кремлёвский долг.Это дух, для которого нету оков,Это зов от наших древних предков.

Пусть сажают, похищают, стирают в ноль,Им не вытравить Маршо, как ни лей контроль.

Пока дышит народ, пока держится,Чечню не сломать.Чечню не убить.

Excerpt Lyrics (English)

Chechnya fought!

Freedom for Chechnya is neither a plea nor a bargain,Neither mercy from executioners nor a debt owed by the Kremlin.It is a spirit that cannot be shackled,It is a call from our ancient ancestors.

Let them imprison, abduct, and erase us to nothing,They cannot eradicate Marsho — freedom — no matter how much control they impose.

As long as the people breathe, as long as they endure,Chechnya cannot be broken.Chechnya cannot be killed.

At long last, we're out with our first full episode! I have some big things planned for the podcast, so stick around!

Recorded in late March 2026 - all information is accurate as of that time

Find sources for the research of this episode on our website: https://linktr.ee/chechenfreedispatch

Intro: Chechen Republic of Ichkeria Anthem⁠: http://youtube.com/watch?v=2TUCZzdBtOI&list=PLbFjjhlaHbGZj0dL2Lr7wYuQBUvMgCL8Q&index=2

Outro: Makka sagaipova album Bezam. макка сагаипова альбом безам. (song: sirla seda) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60CQ55yrKuA

Discussing next steps for the podcast. Stay tuned for more!

We have a LinkTree - you can find our e-mail there now!

https://linktr.ee/chechenfreedispatch