Exiled Chechen claims Muslims ready to seize Moscow
Muslims living in Moscow are prepared to seize power when the time is right, according to a former Chechen official. The goal is to establish a favorable government and stop Russia from harming neighboring nations.
Ruslan Kutaev, a former Chechen deputy prime minister from 1996 to 1997, made these remarks during an interview cited by The Moscow Times. Kutaev recently joined the Platform of Russian Democratic Forces at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in early 2026.
Kutaev claims that out of Moscow's 15 million residents, up to 4 million are practicing Muslims from the Caucasus and Asia. He stated these groups maintain excellent organization and will act decisively at "Hour X."
Contrasting protest strategies
He dismissed other Russian opposition factions that rely on Western funding, claiming they are merely backed by "students with flashlights." In contrast, Kutaev warned his supporters are fundamentally different.
His followers are willing to build barricades and "break heads" if necessary, he stated. The objective is to control Moscow to prevent further aggression against surrounding states.
Kutaev argued that Vladimir Putin's actions are merely a reflection of the "Russian world" ideology. He likened this nationalism to a state religion used to justify the invasion of Ukraine.
Awaiting the regime's collapse**
Russia is currently descending into chaos, and citizens no longer trust the authorities, Kutaev claimed. He asserted that the Russian public knows Putin has already lost and is simply waiting for the official announcement.
When the inevitable power struggle begins, the establishment will have to negotiate with the minority populations in Moscow. Kutaev concluded that his united factions are simply waiting for the right moment to strike.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
