Ikhtamnet (Ихтамнет), direct translation “They are not there” is a neologism for a Russian soldier or mercenary group (e.g. Wagner Group) whose deployment abroad is either denied or not officially acknowledged by the Russian government.
The term has gained popularity and has become a common name for Russian military personnel without insignia taking part in conflicts abroad.
The term has gained popularity and has become a common name for Russian military personnel without insignia taking part in conflicts abroad.
Journalist: "Mr. Putin, we know Wagner and Russian soldiers are present in Crimea!!"
Putin: "They are not there."
Journalist: "But when Ukrainian soldiers tried to raise a Dirlewanger Brigade flag in Crimea, their men were shot down! Who would've done that if not for Wagner?!"
Putin: "They are not there."
Journalist: "Stop saying Ikhtamnet!"
Putin: "They are not there."
Putin: "They are not there."
Journalist: "But when Ukrainian soldiers tried to raise a Dirlewanger Brigade flag in Crimea, their men were shot down! Who would've done that if not for Wagner?!"
Putin: "They are not there."
Journalist: "Stop saying Ikhtamnet!"
Putin: "They are not there."
by MickTheGoat December 1, 2022
Pronunciation: EEKH-TAHM-NEE-EHT
Plural: ikhtamnets; ikhtamnety
Russian troops taking part in a military conflict in another country's territory whose presence is denied by the Russian government.
If evidence is presented that proves that these troops are, in fact, Russian, the Russian government comes up with the lamest excuse possible (usually saying that these troops have left the army years prior, and came into the conflict zone by their own will) in order to try and avoid international outrage and/or sanctions. This, of course, never works, because, to Russia's disappointment, people aren't generally stupid enough to fall for that.
The term gained popularity among the people of post-Soviet countries after Russia's annexation of Crimea and parts of Donbas.
The term comes from Russian "Их там нет" (They are not there).
Plural: ikhtamnets; ikhtamnety
Russian troops taking part in a military conflict in another country's territory whose presence is denied by the Russian government.
If evidence is presented that proves that these troops are, in fact, Russian, the Russian government comes up with the lamest excuse possible (usually saying that these troops have left the army years prior, and came into the conflict zone by their own will) in order to try and avoid international outrage and/or sanctions. This, of course, never works, because, to Russia's disappointment, people aren't generally stupid enough to fall for that.
The term gained popularity among the people of post-Soviet countries after Russia's annexation of Crimea and parts of Donbas.
The term comes from Russian "Их там нет" (They are not there).
Ukrainian general: Hey, we captured this guy near Donetsk, and he admitted on camera that he is currently serving in the Russian army! His papers also prove it! How do you explain that?!
Putin: What do you mean? That man hasn't been in the army since 2011! Here's a document proving it.
Ukrainian general: You're starting the whole "ikhtamnet" thing again, aren't you?
Putin: What do you mean? That man hasn't been in the army since 2011! Here's a document proving it.
Ukrainian general: You're starting the whole "ikhtamnet" thing again, aren't you?
by Roman Shosirobe May 2, 2022