The Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has reportedly asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to relieve him of his duties amid growing speculations about his health and political future.
Addressing the rumors of his resignation in an interview with the pro-government outlet Chechnya Today on Monday, May 5, Kadyrov said a new leader could bring “their own initiatives and their own vision,” and expressed hope that Putin would support his request.
But soon after, Kadyrov reversed course. In comments to the pro-Kremlin outlet RBC and state-run RIA Novosti, he said only Putin can decide whether he stays in office. He added that his earlier remarks were misunderstood.
Kadyrov has made similar public statements in the past about stepping down, but has always remained in power.
Rumors of Kadyrov’s poor health have been circulating for years. On May 5, Novaya Gazeta Europe reported he was preparing to hand over power and had named his teenage son Adam as his likely successor.
The outlet previously reported in 2024 that Kadyrov had suffered from pancreatic necrosis for more than five years, a condition with a high death rate.
A year ago, Kyiv Post exclusively reported that following rumors that Ramzan Kadyrov had a fatal illness, a senior pro-Ukrainian Chechen rebel officer said work was in progress to create an insurgent army to liberate Chechnya from Kremlin rule.
The political situation in Chechnya is unlikely to change while it remains part of the Russian Federation (RF), Colonel Abdul Khakim, the head of the Military Intelligence Department of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria’s Armed Forces, told Kyiv Post.
However, even the death of Kadyrov, according to Khakim, wouldn’t be a game-changer.
Colonel Khakim, whose forces are allied with Ukraine and headquartered in Kyiv, said that, in his view, Kadyrov is not an independent figure in the Russian political arena.
For significant changes to happen in Chechnya, the entire system of Russian power needs to change, in addition to a Putin exit.
“If one puppet is replaced by another, we shouldn’t expect much change. After all, everyone knows the rule that ‘changing the places of the terms does not change the sum,’” Khakim said.
Khakim said the main effect of Ramzan Kadyrov’s death would be great joy for the Chechen people.
“All Chechens, and not only Chechens, are tired of this character and his crazy antics and statements on the internet. So, everyone will have very positive emotions,” he said.