Public discussion of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov’s health intensified after September 1 posts claimed he was struggling to walk and even stand without assistance. But full versions of Chechen television reports filmed that day show Kadyrov attending two school ceremonies, in Tsentoroi and Grozny, standing, sitting, speaking and posing with family members on his own, although he was moving noticeably slowly.
At the ceremony in the Akhmat Kadyrov Education Center in Grozny, his younger children and grandchildren took part. His sons Abdullah and Shaikh-Akhmat recited a poem in memory of Akhmat Kadyrov, and his grandson Yusuf Matsuyev rang the first bell. The article says signs of slowed movement had been visible for several months and became especially noticeable in August.
On August 1, Kadyrov posted a video of himself on a rehabilitation exercise bike and said he had recently stopped training. Later, on August 20, he mentioned this again while meeting UFC fighter Khamzat Chimaev. Throughout August, Kadyrov made several public appearances: inspecting construction of the Putin-named district in Grozny, opening a sports swimming center, handing over 75 buses to the city, addressing graduates of hafiz schools, attending special forces competitions, and flying to Moscow for a meeting involving UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
At the same time, the publication notes that television reports have long been edited to avoid showing him getting into or out of a car, while full-body shots and footage of him in motion are used sparingly. In the few moments where he can be seen walking, his gait appears changed and his movements more rigid, although his reactions and emotions in conversation remain lively.
The article says many routine duties of the regional head have largely been delegated to Chechen Prime Minister Magomed Daudov. In August, Kadyrov personally chaired only one meeting and held only one office audience. It also notes that he has lost significant weight over the past year and has increasingly switched to loose-fitting clothing.
A source in the Chechen branch of the FSB cited by Novaya Gazeta Europe links both the looser schedule and the change in clothing style to health problems. According to the source, the regional FSB keeps close track of Kadyrov’s condition through contacts in his inner circle, partly because he has repeatedly ignored instructions from Moscow doctors and turned to self-treatment, which allegedly led to previous crises.
“His illness is incurable and progressing, although he is receiving the highest level of medical care currently possible in Russia. Kadyrov undergoes regular dialysis, and his entire work schedule now depends on that procedure. In February there was another crisis, after which he was fitted with a nephrostomy,” the source claims.
The article explains that patients can live with a nephrostomy for years, but they are advised to avoid physical exertion and sudden movements and to wear loose clothing. The publication connects those medical restrictions with the way Kadyrov’s public activity has recently been organized.