The relationship between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has worsened in recent months, after the Kremlin learned about alleged secret meetings between Kadyrov and officials from the Middle East, reported the investigative agency IStories on Thursday, citing former and current Russian security agents, as reported by The Moscow Times.
According to the report, Kadyrov sought assurances from Middle Eastern officials to protect his family and assets in the event that his rule over Chechnya would end. Although IStories does not specify the countries involved, it notes that Kadyrov has longstanding ties with “Muslim monarchies” in the region.
It is no secret that the Chechen leader regularly travels to the United Arab Emirates, where, according to several past reports, he has used a luxury villa on the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah as an unofficial Chechen “embassy” since at least 2014.
“Kadyrov questions any guarantees offered by Moscow”
Kadyrov, who has ruled Chechnya with wide autonomy for almost two decades in exchange for loyalty to the Kremlin, is preparing for a potential exit from power due to his fragile health. According to sources cited by IStories, he questions any guarantees offered by Moscow in the event of his resignation from office.
Last year, Novaia Gazeta Europe reported that Kadyrov is suffering from a serious illness, possibly pancreatic necrosis. Kremlin PR experts allegedly tried to hide this information from the public.
According to current and former officers of the Federal Security Service who spoke to IStories on condition of anonymity, the FSB informed Putin about Kadyrov’s “unauthorized” discussions with officials from the Middle East regarding the safety of his relatives and assets.
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