War between Ukraine and RussiaDossierThe Ukrainian press has been abuzz with information since Friday about the Chechen autocrat’s health, describing Kadyrov as seriously ill and in a coma. Ramzan Kadyrov denies the rumors in a video.
The rumors had been circulating for several days. In a video published on Sunday, September 17, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov put an end to it all: Vladimir Putin’s loyal ally denied reports in some media that he was seriously ill.
At this time, AFP could not confirm the date the video was filmed. The Kremlin has not yet made any official announcement about the health of Kadyrov, who has been in power in Chechnya since 2007.
“I strongly advise anyone who cannot distinguish truth from lies on the Internet to take a breath of fresh air and clear their minds,” writes Ramzan Kadyrov in a message accompanying the short video shot in selfie mode.
Kadyrov, a steadfast supporter of the Russian offensive in Ukraine, smiles into the camera, although his face is visibly swollen. “The rain is wonderfully invigorating,” the Chechen leader added in writing, standing on the sidewalk with a hood on his head in the video.
Information in the Ukrainian press on Friday, September 15, citing sources within the Chechen diaspora and confirmed to Obozrevatel media by Ukrainian intelligence, indicated that Kadyrov was in a coma and “seriously” ill. Information AFP has not been able to verify from an independent source.