The attacked people in this case are the Russians. After Russia granted independence to Chechnya in 1995 the Chechens continued to kidnap Russians for ransom, including large scale hostage situations which killed hundreds of Russians. They attacked police stations in neighboring provences. Chechnya became an outlaw Republic where there was no law or order.
All the Chechens would have had to do to be left alone by the Russians is leave the Russians alone. Like most Islamic terrosts, they couldn't do it. Islamic terrorists are not happy unless they are killing infidels. Thats you and me and the Russians.
If these are the kind of people you support, I would say it is you who reads the Nation.
PS. The Soviet Union was dissolved in 1989. Try to keep up.
That's the bottom line in understanding this dispute.