How ’Angel’ The Chechen Overcame Ukrainian Suspicions And Joined The Fight Against Russia

“Angel“ is a Chechen volunteer currently fighting in one of Ukraine’s military units. After the Second Chechen War started in 1999, he fled to Ukraine with his family. At the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Angel and his son joined the Ukrainian military. Originally published at - *** RFE/RL has one of the largest local reporter networks in Ukraine and the region. Check (and bookmark) our regularly updated briefing on the latest situation and outstanding reporting: It includes reporting from frontline positions in Donbas to the vulnerable cities of Kharkiv, Odesa, Lviv, and Kyiv. We serve as the trusted source of news locally in 23 countries without a free press. For our best reporting, visit or follow us on: Facebook Twitter