Isa Munaiev, the Dzhokhar Dudayev battalion commander, killed in the Donbas

An official announcement regarding death of Isa Munaiev, the commander of the Dzhokhar Dudaiev International Peacekeeping Battalion, was released by the battalion's press officer Amina Okuieva.

As reported by Censor.NET, the text was posted on the website of the Odesa Crisis Media Center.

The message reads:

"Yesterday, Feb. 1, 2015, the commander of the Dzhokhar Dudaiev International Peacekeeping Battalion Isa Munaiev was killed in a fierce battle near Debaltseve.

"As an instructor, he provided cover for units retreating from fighting after successful completion of tasks. Isa Munaiev heroically saved lives of dozens of Ukrainian soldiers, and he himself was killed by shelling.

"Commander Isa Munaiev came to Ukraine in the summer of 2014 and created the Dzhokhar Dudayev International Peacekeeping Battalion, which helped Ukrainians to defend their freedom and independence in the fight against the Russian invaders.

"During all this time, none of his soldiers were killed in fighting. He always walked first, and covered his guys when retreating.

"He was going to appeal to the president of Ukraine with a request to obtain Ukrainian citizenship. He loved Ukraine and was proud of freedom-loving Ukrainian people.

"Isa Munaev died a heroic death on the battlefield, defending Ukraine's freedom from the occupants, and he deserves this award.

"Brigadier Isa Munaev was the Interior Minister of Ichkeria, the military commander of Grozny, he led the fronts during the Chechen wars, and was awarded the highest military awards.

"Isa Munaev was known and respected in the world, he left a settled life and his family in the prosperous Denmark, and came to help Ukrainian people fight our common enemy.

"We pledge to continue his creed, and will be engaged in creating the Isa Munaiev battalion in his honor, as an acting unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

"At present, the command of the Dzhokhar Dudaiev battalion was assumed by the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria major Adam Osmaev.

"We express sincere condolences to all the family and friends of Isa Munaiev," the message reads.