Kadyrov's defiant stand: Dismissing health rumours amid loyalty to Putin
Amid rumours of a serious illness, Ramzan Kadyrov releases a video with a message about death, fate, and "cowards from abroad." Although media reports suggest his condition is worsening, the leader of Chechnya claims he is still carrying out Putin's orders.
On his Telegram channel, the leader of the Chechen Republic posted a video in which he walks past an old tower, and a narrator reads a text on his behalf:
Kadyrov on his illness
"I increasingly hear rumours about my illness – that I am supposedly dying, that I have little time left. Firstly, illness and death are the path of every human being. No one living has avoided this path. Secondly, it is not illness or threats that shorten life. Its length is determined only by the one who gave breath. If I am destined to live 50, 60, or 70 years, I will live them according to destiny, and no one will take away even a single day from me," the narrator reads.
The commentary on the video emphasised that those spreading rumours about Kadyrov's illness are "gossips lacking courage, hiding like mice abroad."
In the video's caption, Kadyrov reminded everyone that every day is a "priceless gift given by the Almighty."
Our life is defined, and it should be lived consciously—not spreading empty rumours or sowing chaos. Don't waste life on vanity—fill it with goodness, sincerity, and gratitude—emphasised the Chechen leader.
Kadyrov is currently 48 years old. Previously, "Novaya Gazeta. Europe" reported that six years ago, he was diagnosed with pancreatic necrosis, with no chance of recovery. According to the newspaper, his health condition dramatically worsened in the spring of this year. For this reason, he stopped leaving the republic and has been staying almost all the time at the "Aymed" clinic in Grozny under doctors' supervision, even spending the night on its premises.
In the past, Kadyrov has repeatedly denied rumours about his illness. In 2023, he released a video of himself walking in Grozny and advised those "who can't distinguish truth from lies online" to get some fresh air and clear their thoughts.
In January of this year, the Chairman of the Chechen government, Magomed Daudov, showed a video with Kadyrov, which was meant to confirm after 18 days of public absence that he is alive. In the video, Kadyrov was drinking tea and stated that he needed resilience to "win and celebrate victory."
Kadyrov wanted to resign. Putin didn't agree
At the beginning of May, Kadyrov announced that he intended to ask Russian President Vladimir Putin to relieve him of his duties as the leader of Chechnya and expressed hope for a positive response. However, after a meeting with Putin at the Kremlin, he wrote that he did not receive permission.
Vladimir Vladimirovich, commenting on the recent internet speculation, once again quoted Mark Twain's famous words: "Reports of my death are greatly exaggerated." He added that there is still a lot of work to be done. I follow the orders of the Supreme Commander! – Kadyrov concluded.
Kadyrov serves as one of the Kremlin's most loyal and brutal allies. He commands his own armed formation, the so-called "Kadyrovtsy" – accused of numerous crimes, torture, and human rights violations both in Chechnya and in the occupied territories of Ukraine.
