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Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has issued a sharp rebuke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s latest appeal to Washington, warning that attempts to enlist third countries risk widening the conflict.

This was reported by the Infohub.kz news agency.

Kadyrov’s Jan 8 Telegram response

On January 8, 2026, Kadyrov posted on Telegram criticizing Zelenskyy’s call for tougher US measures. He framed the appeal as an effort to draw external actors into the war rather than pursue solutions on the ground, and argued such rhetoric was irresponsible.

The Chechen leader contended that delegating the conflict to outside players carries dangers beyond Ukraine’s borders, reiterating his view that escalation could pull third countries into direct confrontation.

What Zelenskyy proposed

On January 7, Zelenskyy urged the United States to intensify pressure on Russia by applying lessons from the recent US operation involving Venezuela’s leadership. He also suggested considering measures against Kadyrov as part of a broader push to curb aggression, asserting that stronger steps could help end the war.

Maduro case: background and facts

According to US authorities, on January 3 an operation targeting Venezuela’s top leadership resulted in President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, being brought to New York. A New York court held an initial hearing, where charges included conspiracy related to narcoterrorism, cocaine trafficking, possession of machine guns and explosives, and conspiring to use them against the United States. Prosecutors indicated potential penalties of up to four life sentences. Maduro pleaded not guilty and maintained he is Venezuela’s legitimate president; Flores also denied the charges.

Why it matters

The exchange underscores a sharpening of rhetoric around international involvement in the war. Kyiv is pressing allies for concrete mechanisms to increase pressure, while Moscow-aligned figures warn that bringing in third countries could intensify and expand the conflict. The debate is likely to shape diplomatic and information agendas in the coming weeks.