Congratulatory Letter to Our Circassian Brothers and Sisters
On behalf of the Prime Minister of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria, Akhmed Zakayev
January 9, 2025
Dear brothers and sisters,
It is with the greatest joy and sincere admiration that I address you to celebrate this momentous event—the recognition of the Genocide of the Circassian people by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine! This historic decision stands as a symbol of justice that, although delayed, has finally found its way to give voice to those who have been silenced for far too long.
We are proud that our modest contribution to this great cause, which unites all the peoples of the Caucasus, has borne fruit in this recognition. The decision of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine reaffirms that the pursuit of truth and freedom transcends time, borders, and all obstacles.
This recognition became possible thanks to our unity, joint efforts, and consistent work that began at the conference held on May 27, 2023, in Kyiv, dedicated to the 105th anniversary of the formation of the Union of the Peoples of the North Caucasus—the Mountainous Republic. In the resolution of that conference, we unanimously appealed to the President of Ukraine and the deputies of the Verkhovna Rada to recognize the ongoing genocide of the Circassian people, to condemn the ethnic cleansing carried out by Russia, and to support the Circassian people’s right to live freely on their land. Today, we see that our voices have been heard.
This important decision by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is not only an acknowledgment of the tragic history of the Circassian people but also a powerful message to the entire world that the struggle for freedom, justice, and the right of nations to self-determination must continue.
Dear brothers and sisters, we are deeply inspired by your steadfast spirit and unwavering belief in justice. May this recognition mark yet another step on the path toward freedom and prosperity for the Circassian people. We, the peoples of the Caucasus, share this victory with you, for it belongs to all of us.
With brotherly support, respect, and hope for the further strengthening of our unity,
Akhmed Zakayev
Prime Minister of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria
