Chechnya leader says Crimea’s reunification with Russia boosted patriotism

Crimea and Sevastopol’s return to Russia became an event that boosted the Russians’ patriotic spirit, Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov said on Monday as he spoke to reporters after a meeting with Sergei Menyailo, the Governor of the federal city of Sevastopol who had arrived in the region on a working trip.

“The return home of Crimea and Sevastopol became a pivotal event for us, both in the political and in the historic sense,” Kadyrov said. “More than that, this event boosted the Russian citizens’ patriotic spirit.”

He voiced the hope that Chechnya and Crimea would have “friendly, brotherly relations that would facilitate the progress of cultural, economic and other mutually advantageous areas.”

Chechnya and Sevastopol also have much in common in what concerns the defense of Russia’s interests, Kadyrov said.
Both constituent regions of Russia already have certain agreements, he said. For instance, they have established collaboration in agriculture and industries.

More concrete decisions will be taken to raise this cooperation to a higher level — “not only in words but in practical steps, too,” he said.