Putin summons warlord’s son for crunch talks after ‘poisoning’ fears
Rumours are circulating that Putin's ally Kadyrov may have been poisoned
Reuters
Vladimir Putin summoned the heir of Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov to meet alone with him in the Kremlin amid speculation he had been poisoned.
Ramzan is the leader of Russia’s North Caucasus region of Chechnya, and there have been reports he is “seriously ill” with kidney problems, having called for leading doctors from the United Arab Emirates to assist him because he “does not trust” Moscow officials.
His son, Akhmat, was called to meet with Putin last week in the Kremlin, but it was not reported by the president’s press team.
The 17-year-old was said to be there to discuss youth services, before he returned home and got married.
Kadyrov has reportedly fallen ill, with some suggesting he may have been poisoned
Reuters
This visit is the first time in two decades that another person representing Chechnya has met with Putin.
But rumours have already begun spreading that Akhmat is being groomed to replace his father, who has long been a close ally of Putin.
One Russian outlet said the timing of the meeting was unusual, saying Kadyrov “might well retire”.
Posting on Telegram, Vremennoye Pravilelstvo reported: “It is possible that Kadyrov Jr was presented to the president as a successor to the post of head of Chechnya.
Putin held a meeting with Kadyrov's son, Akhmat, last week
Reuters
“Some may object that an underage man is too young to hold positions.
“But in Chechnya all people with the surname Kadyrov miraculously get positions beyond their age – apparently, because of their talents.”
After the meeting, a statement was put out in Ramzan Kadyrov’s name – though the man himself has not been seen.
It said: “I do not know other details of this interesting meeting, since I did not talk to Akhmat about this due to our customs and tradition of strict relations between dad and son.”
Kadyroz was said he was "ready to die" for Putin
Reuters
Please write at least 2 paragraphs
The statement continued: “In the most difficult period for the Chechens he believed in the people, in our desire to live peacefully and amicably as part of a great country.
“I assure you that for the sake of our President, we will always defend the interests of the motherland, protect its integrity, ensure security, be loyal and, if there is an order from the supreme commander-in-chief, ready to give our lives for the great, mighty and invincible Russia.”
In 2017, Kadyrov called Putin his “idol”, saying in an interview: “I am ready to die for him.”