Ukrainian Defence Forces have successfully eliminated a high-ranking Chechen commander during a targeted strike in Russia’s Kursk region, dealing another symbolic and strategic blow to Moscow’s military efforts. Bouvisar Kasanovich Umanov, known by the call sign “Tarzan”, was killed at a command post where his Akhmat Special Forces unit was stationed, according to Ukrainian sources and Russian reports.
Umanov, a commander in the Akhmat Special Purpose Brigade under the control of the Russian Ministry of Defence, was reportedly responsible for patrolling the border area in the Kursk region. His unit operated under the banner of Ramzan Kadyrov, head of the Chechen Republic and close ally of the Russian dictator.
Open-source records show that Umanov was listed in Ukraine’s Myrotvorets database for alleged involvement in atrocities including the killing of civilians and looting during Russia’s brutal occupation of Kyiv and Chernihiv regions in 2022. The Akhmat units, named after former Chechen leader Akhmat Kadyrov, have gained infamy for widespread human rights violations. These include torture, extrajudicial executions, and mass theft across several Ukrainian regions such as Kyiv, Luhansk, Chernihiv, and Donetsk. Numerous members of these forces have been sanctioned internationally for war crimes.
This strike follows the recent elimination of another Akhmat commander, known as “Amore”, who led a Russian drone unit specialising in FPV drones, fibre optic technology, and loitering munitions. Amore was also operating within Russia’s Kursk region when neutralised by Ukrainian forces.
Despite Kremlin efforts to claim control of Kursk and spread propaganda about so-called Russian victories, on-the-ground realities contradict official narratives. Just days ago, Russia’s own 810th Marine Brigade commander confirmed that Ukrainian forces remain active in the area. The situation exposes confusion and disorganisation within the Russian military leadership.
Elsewhere in the Sumy region, Russian assault troops suffered significant losses after triggering Ukrainian minefields while attempting to advance west of Lozhnytsia. Ukrainian defensive mining strategies continue to frustrate Russian offensives. During one such attempt, two Russian military quad bikes were destroyed almost simultaneously by mines.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian border guards successfully shot down a Russian Shahed drone over the Kyiv region. Ukrainian air defence continues to demonstrate resilience and strength, having downed 48 missiles and almost 800 drones in just the past week, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.
After the Easter period, Russian forces resumed attacks on Ukraine, suffering substantial casualties while trying to maintain momentum. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remarked that Russia is desperately trying to deceive the international community and prolong the war. He urged for continued global pressure to force Russia into taking steps necessary to end its aggression.
