Tensions around Chechnya are rapidly escalating amid rumors about Kadyrov’s terminal illness. A recent crash involving the Chechen leader’s youngest son, Adam, may be part of a succession struggle.
That’s the view expressed on his blog by Russian opposition figure and sociologist Igor Eidman.
Recently, Ukraine’s military intelligence reported that Kadyrov’s kidneys had failed and his condition had worsened. Just a couple of days later, Kadyrov’s heir was involved in a serious car accident and, according to rumors, is now in intensive care in Moscow in very grave condition. There is every reason to believe these events are connected.
“Kadyrov is still alive, but the clan war for his inheritance has already begun. I said in a recent broadcast that Ramzan’s attempt to make Adam his successor would not sit well with many in the Chechen elite; his chances of taking power — and even simply surviving — in this situation are extremely doubtful. It all happened even faster than I thought. Most likely, the crash that nearly killed Adam was staged by those who want to prevent him from inheriting his father’s ‘throne,’ other contenders for power. War within the Kadyrov inner circle is becoming inevitable,” Eidman wrote.
He added that the situation is becoming explosive for the Kremlin. Russia, bogged down in a bloody war against Ukraine, no longer has the security resources to stabilize Chechnya.
“An uprising and a second front in Chechnya could spell disaster for Putin’s regime,” Eidman concluded.
