Ukrainian Deputies Press Kyiv to Recognize Chechnya-Ichkeria and Circassian Genocide
Publication: Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 19 Issue: 115
Clearly desiring to give Moscow a taste of its own medicine, believing that “the enemy of my enemy is my friend,” a group of Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament) deputies is pressing for the passage of bills that would require Kyiv to recognize the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria as an independent state and to condemn Russian actions against Circassians in 1864 as an act of genocide. This effort reflects Ukraine’s longstanding policy of support for non-Russians inside the borders of the Russian Federation and of providing refuge to non-Russians fleeing Moscow’s oppression. The bills have been registered and sent to committee; it is still unknown when they will be released (Itd.rada.gov, July 11; Kavkaz Realii, July 12). Their chances for approval appear remarkably good given that they appear to have support from at least some in the government who view the measures as an appropriate response to what Russia is now attempting to do in Ukraine. Read more
