Amid Ukraine war fallout, fearful Chechen women seek escape routeListen to this articleThe Muslim-majority region in the North Caucasus mountains is one of the most conservative and closed places in Russia. He has sent thousands of men to fight on the front in Ukraine -- a war that rights groups say has worsened condition for women in Chechnya. "The reasons for everything are the 'sheitan'," Asil told Agence France-Presse (AFP), referring to the Arabic word for devil. Asil told AFP the level of fear in Chechnya has intensified with people worrying about being reported for comments about the invasion. But Asil still believes there are "good Chechen families" and hopes that one day -- after the war and Kadyrov rule -- women will have more rights.

Source: Bangkok Post January 28, 2026 04:40 UTC