Chechen Leader Ramzan Kadyrov Diagnosed with Terminal Pancreatic Illness

Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of the Chechen Republic and a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been diagnosed with pancreatic necrosis, a severe and potentially fatal condition, according to reports from the Russian opposition newspaper Novaya Gazeta Europe.

Anonymous sources at the Moscow presidential hospital where Kadyrov was allegedly treated claim the Chechen leader was first diagnosed with the illness in January 2019 and has been living with the terminal condition for over five years.

Kadyrov's health has reportedly deteriorated sharply since the spring of 2022, with the 46-year-old developing kidney failure, fluid buildup in the lungs, and difficulty breathing and speaking.

In September 2023, he was admitted to intensive care with acute pulmonary failure after overdosing on the tranquilizer Dormicum, which he had been taking to manage severe pain, insomnia, and anxiety related to his condition. While doctors were able to stabilize Kadyrov's respiratory function, MRI findings reportedly led his family to conclude that he would not be able to make a full recovery.

Why this matters: As a key Putin ally, Kadyrov has played a significant role in the war against Ukraine, supplying tens of thousands of Chechen troops to fight alongside Russian forces. His deteriorating health and potential incapacitation could have major implications for the stability of the Chechen Republic and Russia's military efforts in Ukraine.

The Kremlin has reportedly begun working on a succession plan to maintain its grip on power in the volatile Chechen region in the event of Kadyrov's passing. According to Novaya Gazeta Europe, Putin is rumored to have earmarked Major-General Apti Alaudinov, the commander of the Chechen special forces volunteer association Akhmat and a loyal Kadyrov ally, as a potential successor.

Kadyrov and the Chechen government initially denied reports of his failing health, with the leader claiming he was only suffering from a minor ailment. However, his prolonged absences from the public eye and visible physical decline, including dramatic weight loss, have fueled speculation about the severity of his condition. A recent video showing a gaunt Kadyrov struggling to speak at a government meeting in Grozny has further intensified concerns about his health.

The Kremlin has not officially commented on the reports of Kadyrov's terminal diagnosis. However, Novaya Gazeta Europe's sources suggest that Moscow is confronting the serious problem of preparing for a potential change of power in Chechnya, as "the leader as we knew him will be gone" and his illness will have a profound impact on the region's future.

Key Takeaways

• Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov diagnosed with terminal pancreatic necrosis.
• Kadyrov's health has deteriorated sharply, with kidney failure and breathing issues.
• Kadyrov's incapacitation could impact Chechnya's stability and Russia's Ukraine war.
• Kremlin reportedly working on a succession plan, eyeing Kadyrov's loyal ally as successor.
• Kadyrov initially denied reports, but his physical decline has fueled health concerns.