Ruslan Gelaev Field commander (killed) Country: Russia

Biography of Ruslan Gelayev

Ruslan Gelayev was a prominent Chechen field commander and military leader. He was born in 1964 in the village of Komsomolskoye in the Chechen-Ingush Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, which is now part of the Russian Federation.

Gelayev started his military career in the early 1990s during the conflict in Abkhazia, where he fought alongside Shamil Basayev. He gained experience and recognition as a field commander and became known for his brutal tactics. Gelayev was responsible for the execution of Georgian prisoners during the war, which gained him a reputation for cruelty.

During the first Chechen war, Gelayev commanded the "presidential" special forces regiment and was in charge of protecting the "special zone" around the oil refineries in Grozny. He led his troops in the western regions of Chechnya and was involved in numerous battles against Russian forces.

In 1995, in response to bombings in Shatoi, Gelayev ordered the execution of captured military pilots by throwing them into a quarry. He was also responsible for the killing of several Russian officers, including Colonel Vladimir Zryadny and Lieutenant Yuri Galkin.

Gelayev's military activities continued during the second Chechen war. He led the defense of Grozny and played a significant role in the conflict. However, after suffering heavy losses in the Battle of Komsomolskoye in March 2000, Gelayev went into hiding in the mountains of Georgia's Pankisi Gorge.

Throughout his career, Gelayev was known for his opposition to extremism and his disapproval of the Wahhabi ideology. He clashed with other Chechen commanders, including Arbi Barayev, and sought to maintain his own independence and influence in the region.

In the early 2000s, there were rumors that Gelayev was seeking contact with the administration of Akhmad Kadyrov, the pro-Russian president of Chechnya. However, the details of any potential negotiations or agreements are unclear.

Gelayev's whereabouts remained unknown for many years. In November 2001, the Russian authorities issued a demand for his extradition from Georgia, but the Georgian government claimed he was not on their territory.

Despite his controversial actions and reputation as a ruthless commander, Gelayev was respected by many Chechens. He was seen as a symbol of resistance and independence in the face of Russian aggression. His military skills and leadership abilities earned him a loyal following among his fighters and supporters.

Ruslan Gelayev's life and career were marked by violence and conflict, and he played a significant role in the Chechen wars. His legacy remains controversial, with some viewing him as a heroic figure defending Chechen independence, while others see him as a brutal warlord responsible for numerous atrocities.