For the first time since his rise to power, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has become the target of Kremlin propaganda — a sign that his influence in Vladimir Putin’s system is visibly weakening.
Russian state television accused Kadyrov of separatism, an unprecedented public humiliation. Such criticism, broadcast live on Kremlin-controlled channels, would not have been possible without Moscow’s agreement, indicating a possible rift between Putin and his trusted man in Chechnya, according to the publication Dialog.UA,
The attack was launched by Nadana Fridrikhson, one of the most well-known pro-Kremlin propagandists, who sided with Russian deputy and general Vladimir Shamanov in a recent conflict with Kadyrov. The Chechen leader had accused Shamanov of war crimes during the Chechen wars and suggested he go to the front, “to prove his abilities.” In a sharp message, Fridrikhson mocked Kadyrov.
“Shamanov’s decorations are soaked with sweat and blood – a fact. But Kadyrov? He has a whole gallery of medals. And what value do they have? He gave them to himself! Let’s compare the biographies of Shamanov and Kadyrov,” the propagandist said on state television.
Such a public attack is unprecedented. Until now, all conflicts with Kadyrov were carefully hidden, and the Kremlin-controlled media portrayed him as a loyal ally of Putin. This time, however, the Kremlin itself seems to have reopened its past wound, reminding that the Chechen leader fought in his youth on the side of Dudaev and Basayev separatists, considered terrorists by Moscow.
The scandal erupted after Kadyrov decided to rename several localities in Chechnya, replacing Russian names with Chechen ones. The gesture sparked the fury of Russian nationalists, who accused him of “contempt for Russian history.” Among the most vehement critics was even General Shamanov, a veteran of the wars in Chechnya.
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