Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has called on Russia to launch direct military strikes against NATO countries supporting Ukraine, marking one of the most aggressive public appeals yet for a wider conflict beyond Ukraine's borders. The outspoken Kremlin ally used a message on Telegram to urge President Vladimir Putin to target nations supplying Kyiv with weapons, intelligence and military assistance, arguing that the alliance would only respond to force. Call for Direct Confrontation Kadyrov claimed Russia should move beyond fighting Ukrainian forces and instead strike countries providing support under the NATO umbrella. Declaring that "the time has come to open fire", he argued Western governments had become increasingly emboldened by their backing of Kyiv. He also said his Akhmat special forces were on full combat readiness and awaiting orders from Putin to carry out further operations if instructed. Poland Again in the Spotlight Although Kadyrov did not identify specific targets in his latest statement, he has previously singled out Poland. In earlier remarks, he suggested Russian forces should move against the country after Ukraine and called for its demilitarisation. His latest comments are likely to heighten concern among NATO members already reinforcing their eastern flank in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. No Change in Kremlin Policy There is no indication that Kadyrov's remarks represent a shift in official Russian policy. Moscow has repeatedly warned Western countries against supplying advanced weapons to Ukraine but has stopped short of announcing plans for direct attacks on NATO territory. Any deliberate strike against a NATO member would risk triggering Article 5, the alliance's collective defence clause, dramatically expanding the conflict. Sanctioned Figure Remains Influential Kadyrov remains one of Russia's most prominent regional leaders and commands forces that have fought alongside Russian troops during the war in Ukraine. He is also subject to sanctions imposed by the United States over alleged human rights abuses, including accusations of torture and extrajudicial killings, which he denies. His latest intervention underscores the increasingly confrontational rhetoric emerging from some of Moscow's closest allies. While the comments do not signal an immediate policy change, they are likely to draw renewed scrutiny as tensions between Russia and NATO remain at their highest level in decades. Putin's warlord demands Russian strikes on NATO: "It's time to open fire"
