A spokesperson for the Atenh separatist group, a clandestine resistance network, has warned that Russia may be dragged into a large-scale ethnic conflict if the Vladimir Putin regime collapses. This group, which emerged two years ago and is composed mainly of Tatars from Crimea and Ukrainians, believes that internal uprisings could play a crucial role in weakening Russian power. In an interview with the Daily Express, group members expressed their conviction that weakening Russia through internal uprisings could be a crucial step to end their aggression.
The group’s anticipation of a problematic future after Putin’s presidency is rooted in the diverse ethnic composition of Russia. The Tatars, with a population of over 5.3 million according to the 2010 census, are the most numerous Turkish ethnic group in Russia, where dozens of nationalities coexist. Along with the Bashkirs, they reside mainly in the autonomous republics of Tatarstan and Bashkortostan, where national movements for independence from Moscow have gained traction.
Challenging Kremlin Authority
Despite being labeled a terrorist organization by the Kremlin and prohibited, the Atenh separatist group continues to challenge the authority and claims to have strong support from the Turkish and Caucasian communities of Russia. This support reinforces their mission, as they claim, “We feel the support of the Turkish and Caucasian peoples of Russia. With your support, we have the resources to attack the Putin War Machinery.”
A member of the group emphasized the growing resonance of the group in various ethnic communities of Russia, stating, “The peoples of the Russian Federation are under constant pressure, often losing their identity and culture. That’s why many representatives of national minorities of Russia join our movement. With us, they find a platform to dismantle the so-called Russian Federation and fight for a better future for their peoples.”
Sabotage Actions and Intelligence Gathering
The group has attributed numerous sabotage actions to their efforts, including attacks on the Russian landing ship Minsk, the Don Rostov submarine, and an assault on the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea fleet. They also claim to have provided detailed information on aerial defenses, military deposits, bases, and troop movements, with some agents carrying out surveillance tasks for weeks. These actions have resulted in significant casualties among Russian officers, according to the group. In the past, the group has also spoken to the BBC about their activities, including collecting information on Russian military movements, mainly in Crimea, but also in other occupied areas and within Russia itself. 
The Atenh separatist group’s activities and claims highlight the complex and volatile situation in Russia, where ethnic tensions and national movements for independence could potentially escalate into large-scale conflicts. As the group’s spokesperson warned, “We are sure that after the defeat of the Putin regime and the death of the dictator himself, they will begin large-scale ethnic conflicts in Russia.” The situation remains precarious, with the group’s continued challenges to Kremlin authority and their claims of sabotage actions and intelligence gathering contributing to the uncertainty and instability in the region.