Russia names Turkey as source of Chechen fighters

Ivanov said among those killed or captured since Russia began military operations in Chechnya, there were "mercenaries from about 10 foreign countries, the majority of whom are Turkish citizens".

"These circumstances will inevitably have a negative impact on the development of relations with Turkey," he said. He also said that the case of a Turkish mercenary who had entered Chechnya from Georgia showed the issue of strengthening Russia’s borders with the Caucasus countries was "very acute and a state priority". But he said the problem should be depoliticised to the greatest possible extent