August M
Uncertainty is spreading from Russia’s North Caucasus as reports emerge about the health of one of Vladimir Putin’s closest allies. Conflicting accounts and long-running rumours have fuelled speculation about what may come next.
Officials have not confirmed the reports, but attention is turning to the political consequences.
Grave health fears
Ramzan Kadyrov, the long-serving head of Russia’s Chechen Republic, is reported to be gravely ill at the age of 49. According to local reports cited by The Daily Express US, he is suffering from kidney failure and undergoing dialysis at a private clinic in Chechnya.
One report suggested Kadyrov has slipped into a coma, though doctors have not publicly confirmed the severity of his condition. Relatives are said to have rushed to his bedside as concern grows behind the scenes.
Kadyrov has led Chechnya since 2007 and is widely regarded as one of President Vladimir Putin’s most loyal regional leaders.
Succession questions
Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence claimed that discussions have already begun about who might succeed Kadyrov if he is unable to continue in office. Under Russia’s system, the power to appoint Chechnya’s next leader rests with Putin.
Rumours have focused on Kadyrov’s sons. His 20-year-old son Akhmat was recently appointed deputy prime minister of the republic. Another son, 18-year-old Adam, who serves as his head of security and is described as his father’s favourite, is also said to be under consideration.
It remains unclear whether the Kremlin would approve either candidate.
Earlier hints
Reports of Kadyrov’s illness surfaced weeks after comments that appeared to allude to his own death. Last month, he said: “If you listen to the rumours, I won’t live into old age. Well, I don’t want to live into old age. I want to pass away while everyone loves and respects me. And [remembers me] that way after my death.”
For several years, unconfirmed reports have suggested he suffers from serious health problems, including kidney disease and pancreatic necrosis.
A controversial record
Kadyrov has repeatedly been accused by rights groups of severe abuses, including torture, extrajudicial killings and the persecution of gay Chechens. He is among the most heavily sanctioned individuals globally, facing measures from the US, EU, UK, Canada and Australia.
A vocal supporter of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he has supplied tens of thousands of Chechen fighters to Moscow’s war effort.
Exiled opposition figure Mikhail Khodorkovsky alleged that Kadyrov has explored exit plans if succession is blocked, including talks with “Arab sheikhs” to protect his family and assets. Kadyrov has previously claimed he was “poisoned” by doctors in Moscow and is said to have refused treatment there.
Sources: The Daily Express US, Ukrainian GUR, public statements
