What's happened
Reports indicate that Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has been suffering from pancreatic necrosis for over five years, prompting the Kremlin to consider succession plans. Kadyrov has attempted to quell rumors of his health by showcasing his fitness in a recent workout video.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Leyla Latypova in The Moscow Times, Kadyrov's health has been a closely guarded secret, with reports indicating he has been living with pancreatic necrosis since 2019. The Kremlin is reportedly preparing for a succession plan, with Major General Apti Alaudinov being favored as a potential successor. In contrast, Pjotr Sauer from The Guardian highlights Kadyrov's recent workout video as an effort to dispel rumors about his health, despite ongoing concerns about his condition. The differing perspectives illustrate the tension between Kadyrov's public persona and the reality of his health challenges.
How we got here
Kadyrov has ruled Chechnya since 2007, maintaining a tight grip on power amid allegations of human rights abuses. His health issues have been a topic of speculation, particularly following a hospitalization in 2023 for acute pulmonary failure.
Common question
More on these topics
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Ramzan Akhmadovich Kadyrov is the Head of the Chechen Republic and a former member of the Chechen independence movement.
He is the son of former Chechen President Akhmad Kadyrov, who was assassinated in May 2004.
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The Moscow Times is an English-language online-only newspaper based in Moscow. It was in print from 1992 until 2017, with a peak circulation of 55,000.