Kremlin Reportedly Prepares for Ramzan Kadyrov's Succession Amid Health Concerns

Kremlin Addresses Potential Power Vacuum in Chechnya

The Kremlin is reportedly engaged in preparations for a succession plan concerning Ramzan Kadyrov, the Head of the Chechen Republic. This strategic planning is said to be a response to ongoing speculation regarding Kadyrov's health and aims to preempt any potential unrest or diversion of resources from the conflict in Ukraine.

Sources close to the Kremlin and the ruling United Russia party indicate that the situation surrounding Chechnya's leadership is considered 'extremely serious,' with Moscow actively 'working' on a solution. The primary concern for the Kremlin is to ensure that Chechnya remains stable and does not become a source of new problems, especially given Russia's continued involvement in Ukraine.

Kadyrov's Health and Succession Speculation

Discussions about Kadyrov's succession have intensified due to persistent reports of his declining health. Reports from late December indicated that Kadyrov was urgently hospitalized in Moscow. Ukrainian intelligence sources, though unconfirmed by the Kremlin, claimed on January 11 that Kadyrov was suffering from kidney failure and undergoing dialysis. Earlier reports from Novaya Gazeta Europe in 2024 suggested he had been diagnosed with pancreatic necrosis in 2019 and experienced complications after contracting COVID-19 in 2020.

Despite these reports, Chechen authorities have not publicly confirmed Kadyrov's health issues, and a source close to the Kremlin stated, 'As long as Kadyrov is alive, nothing will happen.' However, the visible changes in Kadyrov's appearance, including a bloated look and slurred speech in social media videos, have fueled speculation.

Potential Successors and Kremlin's Priorities

Ramzan Kadyrov has reportedly been actively promoting his 18-year-old son, Adam Kadyrov, as his preferred successor. Adam has received numerous awards and positions, including head of Chechnya's Security Council by April 2025. However, Russian law stipulates that the head of Chechnya must be at least 30 years old, making Adam ineligible until 2037.

In light of this, other figures are being considered for an interim leadership role to maintain stability and protect the Kadyrov family's influence. These include:

• Adam Delimkhanov, a State Duma deputy from Chechnya.
• Magomed Daudov, chairman of the Chechen government.

Both Delimkhanov and Daudov are longstanding allies of Kadyrov and are linked to the Benoy teip. While Kadyrov's eldest son, Akhmat Kadyrov (20 years old), was appointed acting deputy prime minister in January, some analysts suggest Ramzan does not view him as primary successor material. The Kremlin's ultimate decision will prioritize a candidate who can minimize risks and prevent regional unrest.

Chechnya's Role in the Ukraine Conflict

Chechnya's involvement in the war in Ukraine is a significant factor in the Kremlin's succession planning. Kadyrovite forces, particularly the Akhmat Special Forces, have fought alongside Russian troops. Kadyrov's control over these armed units has allowed Moscow to deploy them in Ukraine without having to address potential internal issues in Chechnya. Reports indicate that the Akhmat Special Forces, which recruit from across Russia, are now composed of 80-85% non-Chechens. The Kremlin is keen to avoid any power struggle in Chechnya that could necessitate diverting military and security resources from the Ukrainian front.