I lived in southern Russia where there were plenty of Chechens. Honestly, Russians are afraid of them-speak of them in hush tones and I was told never get in a fight with one because a)they carry knives always b) they fight in groups and bring their friends. Chechens have almost a mythical status in the Russian psyche and you can be darn sure the average Russian wants nothing to do with them. Kadyrov's cannon fodder serves a great role- if they are victorious in a battle in Ukraine-that's good for Russia. If Chechens die in Ukraine- that is also good for Russia.