On March 26, Ramzan Kadyrov published footage of a meeting with Chechen security officials in which Adam Kadyrov, acting as secretary of Chechnya’s Security Council, delivered a report. Some commentators described it as his first official appearance since the January crash, but he had already taken part in public events on February 16 and 17.
Particular attention focused on Adam Kadyrov’s shoulder boards. IStories suggested they showed a major’s insignia. Ilkham Vakhidov, spokesman for the Chechen leader, told TASS that Kadyrov’s son holds the rank of junior lieutenant in the Interior Ministry. The article notes, however, that the legality of awarding such a rank to 18-year-old Adam is questionable, since federal law No. 342 requires service within the ministry system and the necessary level of education.
The backdrop to these events was the January 16 crash involving the lead vehicle in Adam Kadyrov’s motorcade. According to Novaya Gazeta Europe, after treatment in Moscow he returned to official appearances, but his position inside the family may have changed.
At the February 16 meeting, which also covered preparations for Chechnya’s September leadership election, Prime Minister Magomed Daudov asked Ramzan Kadyrov to run again as the United Russia candidate. Kadyrov replied that he would do so only if backed by Vladimir Putin. A source in the regional FSB office told the outlet this wording reflected an effort to speed up a Kremlin decision amid the republic head’s health problems.
According to the outlet’s sources, Kadyrov underwent another course of therapy in late February and largely disappeared from public view during Ramadan. After the fast ended, on March 19-21, he and his children reappeared in Chechen media coverage and on Telegram.
The paper says it was then that the role of the “main son” appeared to shift to Akhmat Kadyrov, who is now more often seen beside his father at meetings and prayers. Adam, by contrast, has kept more distance and, according to a source in Kadyrov’s circle, was “demoted in status” after the crash.