After months of speculation about his health, Ramzan Kadyrov, the influential head of Chechnya, released new video footage on Sunday to dispel rumors and show himself in good spirits. Kadyrov, who has been accused rights groups of running a “totalitarian regime,” has been the subject of unconfirmed reports on social media that he was in a coma.
In the videos posted on his Telegram channel, Kadyrov can be seen smiling and walking in an unspecified location while wearing a raincoat. Although his face appeared puffy, he appeared in good health. He can be heard speaking in Chechen before saying in Russian, “practice sport.” The accompanying words recommended that people go for a walk, get some fresh air, and clear their thoughts, emphasizing the invigorating nature of rain.
Ramzan Kadyrov has been a staunch supporter of Moscow’s offensive in Ukraine, with his battalions fighting alongside Russian forces. He has also been a loyal ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, referring to himself as Putin’s “footsoldier.” As the elected president of Chechnya since 2007, Kadyrov has been criticized for widespread evidence of extra-judicial killings and torture of his opponents.
Additional information on the exact timing of the video footage was not immediately available. However, the release of the videos appears to be a deliberate move Kadyrov to address the speculation surrounding his health and assure the public of his well-being.
Sources:
– No specific source mentioned
– Definitions:
– Telegram: A cloud-based instant messaging app.
– Coma: A state of prolonged unconsciousness.
– Extra-judicial: Outside the legal system or without legal authority.
