Relatives of one of Vladimir Putin’s top allies have said he is now “neither alive nor dead” because of a devastating illness he was diagnosed with in 2019, according to an independent Russian newspaper.
Ramzan Kadyrov was reportedly diagnosed with necrotising pancreatitis, a condition that can develop as a result of an inflammation of the pancreas that causes the organ to slowly die.
Kadyrov has been the subject of widespread speculation in recent months as rumours about the Chechen leader’s health started circulating.
Latvia-based Novaya Gazeta this week reported the warlord was first diagnosed in 2019 but recent developments had left his family in a “depressed state” because of the worsening condition.
They alleged that widespread attempts have been made to conceal details about his health, including a federal-level effort to reassure the public that he is well.
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However, Ukrainian military intelligence spokesperson Andriy Yusov last year suggested it had been well known that Kadyrov had been experiencing health issues – citing a likely problem with his kidneys.
Novaya Gazeta reported sources from Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) Directorate and hospital insiders said Kadyrov was hospitalised last year with acute pulmonary failure.
They claimed the Chechen leader was placed in a medically-induced coma and new MRI scans showed his condition had deteriorated.
Relatives of the warlord reportedly said: “There won’t be the same leader as before, the [new complications] will seriously affect [him].
“Even if he recovers now, he will be neither alive nor dead.”
The reports gave rise to attempts from the Chechen Government to dismiss the claims with a video showing Kadyrov attending a Cabinet meeting.
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However, the clip only fuelled further speculation about his actual condition as he was widely described as unnaturally still.
Meduza contributor Kevin Rothrock shared the clip and said: “After Novaya reports that Chechen dictator Ramzan Kadyrov is terminally ill, his team releases this video showing him looking as lively as the title character in Weekend at Bernie’s.
“The camera movement reminds me of Spaceghost trying to breathe life into Ole Kentucky Shark.”
BBC Eastern European correspondent Sarah Rainsford said: “A ‘proof of life’ video in which Chechen leader Kadyrov doesn’t move a muscle, apart from his lips – which just about part to utter some barely intelligible words (though that part is normal for him).”
Kadyrov, who was in the past described as Putin’s “son he never had” has long been a vocal supporter of the Russian leader.
Following the invasion of Ukraine, Kadyrov sent over 26,000 fighters to join Russia’s army to fight and last year said he would be ready to send more as Moscow struggled with heavy losses.
