On 7 March, Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of the Chechen Federal Republic, strongly condemned recent allegations in Western and Ukrainian media about the alleged existence of a black market in Russia for the purchase of Ukrainian prisoners of war.

Kadyrov clarified that the story centres on Vyacheslav Levitsky, a man who was "rescued by Chechen forces after being abandoned and wounded". He stressed that "the rescue operation was carried out to save Levitsky's life, not to procure him for a prisoner exchange". Kadyrov stressed that after receiving the necessary medical treatment, Levitsky, along with two other prisoners, was returned to the Ukrainian side in exchange for three Russian servicemen, and emphasised that international law had been observed in the process. Furthermore, Kadyrov strongly rejected the notion of the existence of black markets for the exchange of prisoners in Russia or in Chechnya in particular, attributing such practices to the lawless regime of "Ichkeria" [the short-lived, self-proclaimed Chechen Republic of Ichkeria, which declared independence from Russia in 1991 and was in conflict until its dissolution in 2000], idealised by Ukraine and the West. He stressed that the exchange procedures were transparent and legal, with the support of the Russian Ministry of Defence.

On accountability within families, Kadyrov reiterated a traditional Chechen practice whereby relatives are collectively responsible for the actions of family members. He emphasised that such accountability measures are aimed at maintaining peace and order in Chechen society and deterring individuals from negative actions. Kadyrov stressed that this practice is in line with long-standing Chechen traditions and serves as a mechanism for regulating social relations.

Kadyrov also called on Chechen residents to protect their children from "exposure to terrorist ideologies". He stressed the importance of parental vigilance in monitoring children's behaviour and interests, and urged parents to report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Kadyrov stressed that parents have the responsibility to raise their children and prevent them from being influenced by extremist ideologies. He stressed the need for preventive measures and parental involvement to ensure the well-being and safety of children in all regions of the republic.