Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has responded to growing speculation about his health by posting a workout video on social media. This follows reports from Novaya Gazeta Europe suggesting that Kadyrov, aged 47, has been battling acute pancreatic necrosis since January 2019 and regularly receives treatment at the Moscow Central Clinical Hospital. The news outlet cited anonymous hospital sources for their report, which could not be independently verified.
Kadyrov’s recent public appearances have fueled rumors regarding his condition. Notably, a video shared on his official Telegram channel showed him in a meeting with regional officials in Grozny, where he appeared thinner than usual and spoke with a slurred voice. Additionally, his absence from President Vladimir Putin’s state of the nation address in February added to the speculation about his health.
Kadyrov apparently took offense that he had been shamed for being overweight and decided to go to the gym at night
He published a video from the gym to a song about a “Chechen eagle” who “rushes into battle”.
This is what the head of Chechnya is trying to convince everyone that… https://t.co/7h5CpjE3TG pic.twitter.com/ynxZ2frkt5
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) April 23, 2024
Kadyrov, who has led Chechnya since 2007 following the assassination of his father, Akhmad Kadyrov, has been a controversial figure, often accused by international bodies and human rights organizations of committing widespread human rights violations, including torture and extrajudicial killings. His leadership is frequently seen as being heavily supported by the Kremlin in exchange for his unwavering loyalty to President Putin.
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