Apti Alaudinov

Apti Alaudinov is a lieutenant general, deputy head of the Main Military-Political Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces, and commander of the Chechen volunteer formation "Akhmat".

Born on October 5, 1973 in the village of Gorny, Predgorny District, Stavropol Krai.

After graduating from school at the Novy Mayak fruit farm, he entered the Stavropol branch of the Moscow State Law Academy. 

Until 2001 he was a prosecutor's employee.

In 2001, he graduated from the law faculty of the Chechen State University and worked as an inspector in the recruitment department of the personnel department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

From 2002 to 2004, he held positions in the Internal Security Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the Chechen Republic. 

In July 2004, he was appointed deputy head of the operational investigative work department of the Internal Security Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the Chechen Republic.

Since November 2005 - Head of the Department for Combating Organized Crime of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for Chechnya.

Since 2006 – Head of the Special Commission for Monitoring Compliance with Norms and Rules of Residence in Temporary Accommodation Centers for Displaced Persons.

In March – April 2009 – Head of the Department of the Ministry of Justice of Russia for the Chechen Republic.

From April 2009 to June 2011 – Deputy Chief of the Criminal Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the Chechen Republic.

From June 13, 2011 to March 2021 – Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs for the Chechen Republic – Chief of Police.

In June 2012, Alaudinov was awarded the special rank of “Major General of Police.”

In 2013, he defended his PhD dissertation in political science at Lomonosov Moscow State University on the topic "Regional Identity as the Basis for the Formation of National Political Identity."

In March 2021, he was dismissed from his post as deputy minister by decree of Vladimir Putin amid the furor surrounding Novaya Gazeta's publication of a story by a former soldier in the Kadyrov Regiment who witnessed extrajudicial killings in Chechnya.

In the same month he was appointed assistant to the head of the Chechen Republic.

From July to October 30, 2022 – Secretary of the Economic and Public Security Council of the Chechen Republic.

Since March 2022, he has been participating in Russia's special military operation in Ukraine, heading the Akhmat special rapid response unit .

In July 2022, he was appointed Secretary of the Economic and Public Security Council of the Chechen Republic.

By the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation (“closed”) dated August 1, 2022, Alaudinov was awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation. 

In November 2022, he was appointed Deputy Commander for Combat Operations of the 2nd Army Corps of the LPR People's Militia Directorate (later the 2nd Army Corps of the Russian Armed Forces). That same month, he was promoted to the rank of Major General. 

On February 13, 2023, Ramzan Kadyrov reported an attempted poisoning of Apta Alaudinov . In early March of that year, after treatment in a Moscow hospital, Alaudinov returned to the SVO zone.

In October 2023, he announced that some of the Wagner PMC fighters had come under his command .

In January 2024, Alaudinov became Vladimir Putin's trusted person in the presidential elections. 

In February 2024, Alaudinov graduated from the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

In April 2024, he was appointed Deputy Chief of the Main Military-Political Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces.

On December 16, 2024, Alaudinov was awarded the title of "Honorary Professor of SWSU" at Southwestern State University.

Awards, titles and sanctions

On December 9 , 2024, Putin awarded Alaudinov the rank of lieutenant general.Hero of Russia. Recipient of three Orders of Courage, Hero of the Lugansk People's Republic and the Chechen Republic. He was also awarded the Order of Kadyrov and the Medal "For Distinguished Service in Maintaining Public Order." Honorary Citizen of the Chechen Republic.

He has been under US sanctions since 2014, UK sanctions since 2020, Polish sanctions since 2022, and Ukrainian sanctions since 2023. In 2018, Latvia banned him from entering the country.

Scandals with Alaudinov

Alaudinov's name was mentioned in connection with the 2015 arrest of Ruslan Kutayev, a Caucasus expert ( listed as a foreign agent ). According to human rights activists, during interrogations, Chechen Parliament Speaker Magomed Daudov used physical force against Kutayev … kicking and punching him all over his body and head. "As a result, I lost consciousness…" Kutayev himself reported. However, in court, both Daudov and Alaudinov denied the torture charges Ramazan Dzhalaldinov, a Dagestani activist from the village of Kenkhi, reported threats from Alaudinov . He claimed Alaudinov threatened him with the same fate that befell Natalia Estemirova if he didn't stop raising the issues of his village. In April 2016, Ramazan Dzhalaldinov published a video message addressed to Ramzan Kadyrov and Vladimir Putin, stating that residents of Kenkhi were unable to receive compensation for housing destroyed during the fighting. Following this video message, Dzhalaldinov's family home in Kenkhi was burned down by masked men. His wife and children fled to Dagestan, and Dzhalaldinov himself later fled Chechnya due to threats from security forces. More details about the situation in Kenkhi can be found in the Caucasian Knot report " How Ramazan Dzhalaldinov Risked Complaining to Putin and Kadyrov ." Ramzan Kadyrov was forced to publicly state that information about the possible resignation of the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation for the Chechen Republic, General Apti Alaudinov, is not true.

The most high-profile scandal involving Alaudinov involved the Akhmat Kadyrov PPS regiment. In 2017, Novaya Gazeta published an investigation into the murder. According to the newspaper, Alaudinov was on the territory of Unit  on the day of the shooting .

In 2019, new details were published regarding the large-scale police raids of January 9–12, 2017. Local police officers and operatives from the Kurchaloevsky and Shali District Departments of Internal Affairs participated in the raids, with force support provided primarily by officers from the A. Kadyrov Patrol and Surveillance Service .

Disgrace and dismissal

In the fall of 2019, Alaudinov's name appeared on a list of high-ranking Chechen officials allegedly plotting against Kadyrov. Reports of their detentions, torture, and dismissals for disrespectful remarks about the Chechen leader spread on social media. It was alleged, in particular, that Alaudinov, while visiting Argun Mayor Ibragim Temirbayev, jokingly slapped a portrait of Ramzan Kadyrov.

Alaudinov's video refutation sparked even more rumors on social media . Chechen residents accused the deputy minister of violating etiquette, noting that he was commenting on the accusations of a conspiracy against Ramzan Kadyrov while reclining on a sofa with his legs up. In the video, Alaudinov issued threats against journalists who wrote about a conspiracy against the Chechen leader.

In December 2019, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov commented on reports of a conspiracy against him, previously reported in the media. He stated that if there had been a genuine conspiracy, its participants "would not be walking around this republic." Kadyrov listed those who "were not involved in any conspiracy": "Neither Islam (Kadyrov), nor Khalid (Vaykhanov), nor Shamkhan (Denilkhanov), nor Ruslan (Yakhyaev)—none of them were involved." However, he did not rule out the serious involvement of Ibragim Temirbayev alone. In April 2021, Temirbayev died in Chechnya when his car fell off a cliff. 

In 2019, Novaya Gazeta also published a report alleging that Kadyrov had allegedly discussed replacing the deputy minister of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for Chechnya in Moscow. The Chechen leader denied this information.

Nevertheless, analysts believe Alaudinov has fallen out of favor with Kadyrov. Chechen human rights activist Oyub Titiev stated that Alaudinov has effectively been unemployed since at least 2020, while remaining a deputy minister. "Alaudinov has been (effectively) unemployed for a long time, even before his resignation," Titiev said in 2021. "Even last year (2020), they said he wasn't showing up for work and had been suspended." He suggested that the "conspiracy" story could have been the reason for Alaudinov's fall from grace.

On March 18, 2021, Apti Alaudinov was officially dismissed from his post as deputy head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Chief of Police) of Chechnya. This occurred amid the furor surrounding Novaya Gazeta's publication of a testimony by a former soldier of the Kadyrov Regiment, who witnessed extrajudicial executions in Chechnya. The former police officer's testimony provides numerous details of extrajudicial arrests, torture, the conditions of captives in torture cellars, and the names of the security forces who gave commands and demanded their implementation. The witness also explains why local police officers could not refuse to carry out these orders. 

Return and SVO

According to human rights activists interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot," Alaudinov personally persecuted dissidents on fabricated charges and intimidated government critics, earning him a reputation in Chechnya as a cruel man.

The military special operation in Ukraine gave Alaudinov the opportunity to re-enter Kadyrov's inner circle. Since March 2022, he has been serving in the Russian Special Military Forces in Ukraine, heading the Akhmat Special Rapid Response Unit. On October 31 of that year, Apti Alaudinov was dismissed from his post as Secretary of the Chechen Security Council by decree of the republic's leader. Ramzan Kadyrov, commenting on his personnel decision, did not disclose the reasons for Alaudinov's dismissal, advising those interested in the matter "not to worry their heads." A little later, Alaudinov's new position in the Luhansk People's Republic was announced.

Alaudinov's appointment to a post in the LPR police was part of Kadyrov's strategy , which seeks to expand his sphere of influence with the help of a loyal figure, analysts suggested.

When Apti Alaudinov received a new position at the Ministry of Defense in 2024, overseeing issues of mutual understanding between people of different nationalities in the army, which require attention in military situations, experts called this appointment a compliment to Kadyrov , emphasizing that the extent of the Chechen leader's expanding influence should not be overestimated.

Currently, military reports and statements about the situation in the SVO zone are appearing on the Telegram channels of the head of Chechnya and Alaudinov himself . Alaudinov has become one of the main speakers on the situation in the military special operation zone.

He is the one who, more than other Russian security officials, comments more often on the Ukrainian Armed Forces' offensive in the Kursk region, whose borders were supposed to be guarded by Kadyrov's men. Specifically, Alaudinov reported the capture of five Chechen fighters in the Kursk region. According to him, three signalmen and two riflemen from the "Akhmat-Chechnya" unit were captured, but there is no talk of a mass surrender of fighters, as there is nothing more shameful for a Chechen than captivity.

From the first day of the Ukrainian Armed Forces offensive in the Kursk region through August 16, Alaudinov's Telegram channel published more than 20 posts commenting on the situation in the region, which were distributed by Russian media. Beginning on August 10, the channel published several posts per day, including reposts from pro-government media outlets.

On August 19, 2024, Alaudinov published a video message on his Telegram channel, criticizing the parents of conscript soldiers who supported their children's refusal to travel to the Kursk region. "I have one question for you: why does this country need you and your children?" Alaudinov stated in the video, addressing the parents of conscripts. He noted that conscripts can sign a contract with the Ministry of Defense to receive appropriate payments. At the same time, Alaudinov assured that conscripts who die in battle will go to heaven. "And what could be better for a person than heaven on the path of the Almighty? Nothing!" he declared.

On September 15, 2024, Alaudinov stated in a video message posted on his Telegram channel that he had no intention of rescuing Chechen fighters who had surrendered voluntarily from captivity. He suggested that the captives "take something—a pen, a nail," attack "someone," and "do everything" to be killed in captivity. "I don't think you deserve to live at all. Because I'm surprised how you're going to live after you've thrown up your hands and surrendered like little girls to captivity," Alaudinov said . 

On June 23, 2025, Apti Alaudinov was placed on the wanted list by the Security Service of Ukraine.

Insulting the Schema-Abbot and Subsequent Apologies

In June 2025, Schema-Abbot Gabriel, head of the Sochi courtyard of the Valaam Monastery, declared in a sermon that Muslims, on the orders of a mullah, could massacre all Muscovites. The cleric was dismissed after Apti Alaudinov demanded an apology. Orthodox activists demanded that the statements made by the head of the Akhmat special forces about Gabriel's mental capacity be investigated for insulting religious feelings and inciting hatred, and that he be removed from his position as deputy head of the Main Military-Political Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces. 

Alaudinov apologized to Gavriil "purely because of his age," expressing outrage that those demanding an apology from the priest failed to respond to Gavriil's statements about Muslims. Analysts are certain that Apti Alaudinov, head of the Akhmat special forces, was persuaded to apologize to Schema-Hegumen Gavriil by his "senior comrades," rather than by demands from Orthodox activists. However, within the context of the practice of public apologies established by the Chechen authorities, this case was unique . Apti Alaudinov later apologized personally to the Schema-Hegumen. Alaudinov published a video of the meeting with the cleric on his Telegram channel. The meeting took place in a church in the village of Rakitnoye (Belgorod Region), attended by Andrei Kormukhin, leader of the Orthodox movement "Forty by Forty." Gavriil responded by stating that his statement about Muslims had been "misunderstood."

Alaudinov, Z-bloggers and Solovyov

In early November 2025, Alaudinov had a conflict with Marina Akhmedova, a member of the Presidential Human Rights Council, who called him "the most talkative general." Without naming Akhmedova, Alaudinov expressed outrage that "some representatives of a brothel could judge a combat general." Chechen Human Rights Commissioner Mansur Soltayev suggested that Akhmedova apologize to Alaudinov, which she  refused . 

On November 13, 2025, Alaudinov announced  a reconciliation between two Z-bloggers, Ilya Remeslo and Vladimir Grubnik. The latter, a friend of "Akhmat," had complained to Chechens about criticism from Remeslo. The conflict between Remeslo and Grubnik arose over the Z-community's attitude toward pro-Putin Ukrainian defectors. In a video on Ilya Remeslo's Telegram channel, he stands with Alaudinov, who, "Akhmat," places his hand on the blogger's shoulder. "The conflict is resolved, and we will work together for the good of our homeland," the blogger declared. According to him, the meeting "ended in reconciliation." "I want to emphasize that there was no pressure; I decided to meet on my own initiative," he noted.

That evening, Alaudinov published a video message on his Telegram channel, in which he stated that some Z-bloggers are conspiratorial enemies of Russia or unknowingly serve its interests by criticizing Akhmat, and promised to destroy them "legally through criminal prosecution" if they do not apologize . 

On November 14, 2025, the Gelendzhik City Court  fined Oksana Kobeleva, the author of the Telegram channel "Security in a Vatnik," 30,000 rubles  for publishing questions to the commander of the Akhmat, although she later deleted the post and repented for the material.

Human rights activists and experts interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot" believe the now-open conflict reflects the standoff between Alaudinov and TV presenter Vladimir Solovyov. The clash between players like Alaudinov and Solovyov, while the overall situation in the country worsens, indicates a breakdown in the system, where blame is being sought. One relies on the support of the security services, the other on the military and the presidential administration. Analysts noted that the struggle is not so much for money as for control over the agenda. However, as economists have noted, the market for charitable collections for the needs of the SVO, which both Alaudinov and Solovyov manage, is estimated at billions of rubles annually. Meanwhile, state oversight is minimal: reporting is based on trust. According to experts, the accusations between the military correspondents are simply a means to attract more funds and increase their influence.

Conflict with Anatoly Wasserman and threats to his assistant

In December 2025, a conflict erupted between Apti Alaudinov and State Duma deputy Anatoly Wasserman following the parliamentarian's request. Wasserman called on the general to "stop the farce" surrounding his name, presumably hinting at Alaudinov's authority being exploited in disputes among Z-bloggers. The deputy's request was published on the Telegram channel of his assistant, Roman Nosikov . In response, the head of Akhmat recorded a video message in which he sharply questioned Wasserman's right to make claims against him, as he had Ukrainian citizenship until 2016. He claimed that the deputy "didn't have the skills to ask questions." "You've lived in Russia for too little time, and I haven't found anything you've done anywhere that would allow you to demand that I stop this supposed farce. <...> Maybe you don't like the fact that I'm a Chechen? What's wrong with that? Maybe I don't like the fact that you're Wasserman," he said to Wasserman.

The general paid special attention to the deputy's aide, Roman Nosikov. Alaudinov stated that only Wasserman himself enjoys immunity, while his aide "discredits the Ministry of Defense" and will "get what he deserves" after the holidays .

The story with the book

In February 2026, Deputy Chairman of the Synodal Missionary Department for Apologetic Mission of the Russian Orthodox Church, Sergiy Fufayev, pointed out that Apti Alaudinov's book, "The Army of Jesus in the Battle against the Army of Dajjal-Antichrist," mixes the ideas of Christianity and Islam, which distorts the foundations of the Orthodox faith and leads to heresy.

The priest identified three key distortions of the foundations of the Orthodox faith in the book: Muslims and Orthodox Christians believe in one God, implying that this God corresponds to the concepts of Islam; Muslims and Orthodox Christians believe in Jesus Christ, who is God's messenger; Muslims and Orthodox Christians believe that Jesus Christ will gather an army of Muslims and Christians against the army of the Antichrist and defeat him. "Orthodox Christians believe in one God—the Trinity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit," Fufayev recalled.

Alaudinov commented on the criticism of the book's ideas in a video posted on his Telegram channel, but did not specify whose criticism he was responding to, nor did he mention a representative of the Synodal Missionary Department of the Russian Orthodox Church. According to Alaudinov, the book is about the joint struggle of Muslims and Christians, and its ideas are presented from an Islamic perspective, but adapted for fighters who consider themselves Orthodox. He emphasized that the book was co-authored by the imam of "Akhmat," Magomed Khitanayev, and that it is based "on the concepts of Akhmat-haji Kadyrov." "It fully and clearly reveals this entire topic from the perspective of Islam. Do I really need your review? I absolutely don't need it. You can write your own book, with your own ideas, put your ideology in it, and the flag will be in your hands," he stated.

Ready to go to Iran

On March 3, 2026, Apti Alaudinov called for support for Iran in every possible way. The general recalled that the United States and other NATO countries have been supplying Ukraine with weapons for the battle against Russian troops for four years.

Alaudinov stated that he is ready to go to Iran "even today" to help his allies if the Russian leadership makes such a decision.

According to the general, there's a 99 percent chance that US President Donald Trump is the "antichrist." "If they succeed in finishing off Iran now, we'll be right behind Iran," he said .

Concern about Ilya Remeslo

On March 18, 2026, Apti Alaudinov responded to blogger Ilya Remeslo, who posted on his Telegram channel, "Five Reasons Why I Stopped Supporting Vladimir Putin," and accompanied it with a video message confirming that his account had not been hacked. The blogger then posted new critical materials, addressing the topic of luxury within the Russian government and declaring that he would later speak about his cooperation with the presidential administration in combating the opposition.

Alaudinov said he contacted Remeslo, suspecting a hack, but Remeslo confirmed he had deliberately changed his position. He stated that he had previously considered Remeslo a "pro-Russian person" with significant connections and one of the "initiators of Navalny's imprisonment." Now, he said, the blogger's behavior appears "terrifying," unless he is acting under pressure. Alaudinov added that he expected attempts to "destabilize the country," but not from someone he considered "absolutely sane".