The Chechnyans have had an ‘axe to grind’ for decades.
Any relation? Or maybe they had a Ukrainian connection.
Rightly or wrongly, Russia has made many enemies over the last few decades, most remain livid with resentment to this day. Many of them only one or two borders away.
Probably about 5600 km or so from Chechnya to the Region where this took place. An easy 75 hour drive through Siberia in Winter.