Against the backdrop of these pacifist speeches, the appeal of the wife and adviser to the Mufti of Dagestan, Aina Gamzatova, to Putin with a request to delay the mobilization in Dagestan in order to “train real warriors” sounded dissonant. Known for her political ambitions (she tried to run for president of Russia in 2017), Aina Gamzatova promised in return to provide the president with “popular support.”
“My people and I would also like to offer you, taking into account the fact that out of a population of three million, more than three thousand Dagestanis are already on the front line, among whom there are many heroes, to give us a reprieve from mobilization and other calls. Within six months, we promise you to professionally prepare Dagestan children in training centers. We kindly ask you to recommend to us such experienced instructors who could train real warriors during these six months. For our part, we will omnipotently (!) provide popular support for everything that happens under your leadership. Professionalism in battle plus the patriotism of our guys, which I am sure you have no doubt about, will become a powerful support for Mighty and Strong Russia.
On our part, we are ready to offer, taking into account the difficult times for our country, to fully provide [the mobilized] with the necessary things: provisions, clothing, premises.”