Since 2014, two volunteer battalions consisting mainly of Crimean Tatars have been formed in Ukraine. They include the Separate Battalion “Crimea” and the 48th Separate Assault Battalion named after Noman Chelebidzhikhan, headed by Lenur Islyamov. In total, about two thousand Crimean Tatars have joined the ranks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, continuing to fight for Ukraine and defend the idea that Crimea is part of Ukraine.
In the film “Crimean Askers”, created by the Crimean Tatar Resource Center, you can see and learn more about the fate of the Crimean Tatar military. In particular, a sniper with the pseudonym “Ena” says that when he saw the first Russian vehicles, he immediately realized that the Russians would not just leave. They need to be driven out with weapons in hand. Soldier “Uskut,” a battalion commander, says his goal was to get his family out as soon as possible and then directly resist the Russian invaders. Isa Akayev, commander of Crimea unit, said: “Allah has given us the opportunity for many years to take up arms and return home as winners, not as victims of the Russian regime. And we must take advantage of this opportunity.” He also calls on all those who have the opportunity to join the ranks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The indigenous people of Ukraine, the Crimean Tatars, are actively joining the ranks of the Armed Forces. An important task for the Ukrainian authorities now is to create favorable conditions for these soldiers. In particular, their religious needs, such as special dietary requirements and time for prayer, must be taken into account. The most important need is to ensure proper burial of the fallen soldiers in accordance with Muslim canons.
Eskender Bariiev, Chairman of the Board of the Crimean Tatar Resource Center, member of Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, said that according to the CTRC, about sixteen soldiers of Crimean Tatar origin were killed in the Russian-Ukrainian war. He also recalled a case when a Crimean Tatar soldier was mistakenly buried according to Christian traditions because they did not know about his religious beliefs. In order to avoid such situations, it is necessary to inform the society more widely about the culture and traditions of the Crimean Tatars.
The Crimean Tatar Resource Center emphasizes the importance of spreading this topic and creating favorable conditions for Crimean Tatars in the Ukrainian army. After all, Crimean Tatars serve not only in these volunteer battalions, but also in many other units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, where the majority of soldiers are Ukrainians. It is important to ensure proper conditions for all military personnel, regardless of their origin, so that they can defend Ukraine without violating their religious and cultural rights.
Given the significant contribution of Crimean Tatars to the struggle for Ukraine’s independence, ensuring proper conditions for their service in the Armed Forces is an important step. This not only strengthens the internal cohesion of the Ukrainian army, but also demonstrates respect for the cultural and religious diversity of the country. The authorities and society should ensure that the rights of Crimean Tatars as soldiers in the Ukrainian armed forces are protected and respected, especially in matters of burial and other religious needs.