Putin's Henchman Addresses Rumors He's Dying
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has addressed swirling rumors about his declining health with a cryptic message on mortality.
Kadyrov, dubbed President Vladimir Putin's henchman, posted a video to his Telegram channel, weeks after he asked the Russian leader "to be relieved of my post" amid rumors of deteriorating health that will soon force him to step down.
Newsweek has contacted the Kremlin for comment by email.
Why It Matters
The message comes amid mounting speculation over the health of the Chechen leader, who governs the predominantly Muslim republic in southern Russia. It marks the first time Kadyrov has publicly addressed the rumors, which intensified after Latvia-based Novaya Gazeta reported in April 2024 that he was diagnosed in 2019 with necrotizing pancreatitis—a severe condition that can lead to organ failure and death.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin, left, talks to the head of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov, at the Kremlin in Moscow on October 21, 2024.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin, left, talks to the head of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov, at the Kremlin in Moscow on October 21, 2024.
ARTEM GEODAKYAN/POOL/AFP/Getty Images
What To Know
In a video published Tuesday, Kadyrov said in a voiceover that he "increasingly hears gossip about my illness," but didn't confirm or deny whether his health was deteriorating.
"They say that I am dying, I have little time left," the Chechen leader said.
"Firstly, illness and death are the path of every person. No one living has passed this road. Secondly, it is not illness or threat that shortens life. Its length is determined only by the one who gave breath."
Kadyrov, who is 48, added: "If I am destined to live 50, 60 or 70 years, I will live them as prescribed, and no one will take away a single day."
In a caption, he also said, "Every day is a priceless gift, measured out by the Almighty" and said, "We must live it consciously, without spreading empty rumors and sowing discord."
Earlier this month, Novaya Gazeta reported that Kadyrov asked Putin to dismiss him, and that he was preparing his teenage son Adam Kadyrov to replace him as Chechen leader. He was appointed to the post by the Russian president in 2007 following the assassination of his father, Akhmad Kadyrov, three years earlier.
Kadyrov later walked back his resignation comments in a post on his Telegram channel.
"Many did not understand the meaning of my words about resignation. I do not decide whether I will remain in the position of the Head of the Chechen Republic or not," Kadyrov wrote.
"Yes, I can ask or suggest. But no matter how much I say, no matter how much I ask, such a decision is made by only one person—our Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President of Russia Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin.
"I am an infantryman! I am a team person. If there is an order, I carry it out."
Speculation about the Chechen leader's health intensified in September 2023 when Ukrainian military intelligence spokesperson Andriy Yusov said Kadyrov had been unwell for a long time with systemic health problems. There were also rumors on social media that Kadyrov was dead or in a coma.
What People Are Saying
Ramzan Kadyrov's relatives told Novaya Gazeta in 2024: "There won't be the same leader as before, the [new complications] will seriously affect [him]. Even if he recovers now, he will be neither alive nor dead."
What Happens Next
Kadyrov's Chechen units will continue to support Putin's military in the Ukraine war.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
3 hours ago
- Newsweek
Iranian Woman Who Has Lived in US for Four Decades Detained by ICE
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Mandana Kashanian, a 64-year-old Iranian woman who came to the United States at 17 years old just ahead of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, was arrested by U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Sunday and is being in detention in Louisiana. Newsweek has confirmed her detention in the ICE detainee database. Newsweek has reached out to ICE for comment via email on Saturday. Why It Matters Kashanian's detention comes amid an immigration crackdown by the Trump administration and inflamed U.S. relations with Iran. The U.S. struck three of Iran's nuclear sites, Isfahan, Fordow, and Natanz, lastSaturday. Iran later struck a U.S. base in Qatar. Also last weekend, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) arrested 11 Iranian citizens who were in the U.S. illegally. Since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Iran and the U.S. have severed main diplomatic ties and maintained a tense relationship, with occasional high-profile nuclear talks. Ahead of and during the Iranian Revolution, hundreds of thousands of Iranians fled to the United States. Many had supported Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi or belonged to ethnic and religious minorities and faced persecution under the new government. At the time, U.S. President Jimmy Carter maintained close ties with the Shah who was backed by Washington. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has pledged to launch the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history. In addition to people residing in the country illegally, immigrants with valid documentation, including green cards and visas, have been detained and face legal jeopardy. What To Know Kashanian came to the U.S. on a student visa on July 24, 1978 and "gained authorization to remain in the U.S. until May 31, 1983 by changing her status to that of a spouse of a nonimmigrant student" according to documents from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit reviewed by Newsweek. She eventually applied for asylum, but her claim was denied, according to the 2001 court documents. Her family told MSNBC that she applied for asylum and was denied multiple times. Kashanian has appealed several court decisions relating to her status as well as filing a motion to reopen appeals. She married early on and then divorced. She then married Russ Milne, a U.S. citizen, in 1990 and the couple share a 32-year-old daughter together, who is also a U.S. citizen. Part of the complication of Kashanian's status is due to her first marriage, which the court reported as "improper" and fraudulent, and subsequently interfered with her green card application once married to Milne. Her father had worked as an engineer for the Shah in Tehran, according to and she claimed she would "experience extreme hardship if deported," per court documents. The local outlet said she was granted a stay of removal on the basis that she comply with immigration requirements, which her family says she has always met. Her husband told MSNBC on Friday that she has no criminal history. She has lived in the states for almost 50 years, setting down roots in New Orleans. She shares Persian recipes on a YouTube channel, was involved in her daughter's parent-teacher association, volunteered after Hurricane Katrina, and helps out family and neighbors, her husband told MSNBC. On June 22, she was arrested by officers in unmarked vehicles, her neighbor Sarah Gerig, told noting that the arrest was less than a minute. Kashanian is currently held in South Louisiana ICE processing center, according to the ICE database. The GEO Group runs the 1,000-person capacity facility located in Basile, Louisiana. The South Louisiana ICE Processing Center is seen in this aerial photo in Basile, Louisiana, on April 8. The South Louisiana ICE Processing Center is seen in this aerial photo in Basile, Louisiana, on April 8. AP Photo/Gerald Herbert What People Are Saying Russ Milne, Kashanian's husband, told "She's always worked, she's had a driver's license, she has a social security card, she's paid taxes/ She's about to qualify for Medicare. She's been a contribution to the community for her whole life." Joe Giarrusso, a member of the New Orleans City Council, said in an X, formerly Twitter, post sharing the article about Kashanian on June 25: "I usually don't comment on federal issues but this is a local issue, too. Someone living here with the federal government's full knowledge and approval for nearly 50 years is hardly Public Enemy Number 1. This should not happen." Kaitlynn Milne, Kashanian's daughter, told MSNBC on Friday: "She's tried going through the correct system and ... it's been hard for always caring. She's our support system, so it's obviously been really rough this week. She's the person that was always at my school. Always taking care of things around my school. She was, you know, always a huge volunteer, always helping everybody around." Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary of the Department of Homeland Security said in a June 24 press release about the arrest of 11 Iranian nationals: "Under Secretary [Kristi] Noem, DHS has been full throttle on identifying and arresting known or suspected terrorists and violent extremists that illegally entered this country, came in through Biden's fraudulent parole programs or otherwise. "We have been saying we are getting the worst of the worst out—and we are. We don't wait until a military operation to execute; we proactively deliver on President Trump's mandate to secure the homeland." What Happens Next It is not clear when Kashanian will have an immigration hearing.
Newsweek
4 hours ago
- Newsweek
Senate to Vote on Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill': Here's What It Contains
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The U.S. Senate is working through the weekend to pass President Donald Trump's comprehensive domestic policy bill, a sprawling 940-page piece of legislation that Republicans are calling crucial for the nation's economic future. The U.S. House of Representatives has already passed their version, and senators are now working to finalize their draft before sending it back for a final House vote while Democrats remain united in opposition to the package. Why It Matters This legislation represents Trump's signature domestic policy initiative, combining massive tax cuts with significant spending on border security and defense while implementing substantial cuts to social safety net programs. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO), which is nonpartisan, estimates the House's version would add $2.4 trillion to the nation's deficit over the next decade, though Republicans dispute this calculation. The bill's passage would fundamentally reshape federal spending priorities and tax policy, affecting millions of Americans across income levels. What To Know The bill centers on approximately $3.8 trillion in tax cuts, making permanent the tax rates and brackets from Trump's first term while adding new exemptions for tips, overtime pay, and some automotive loans. The legislation would increase the child tax credit from $2,000 to $2,200 and provide a $6,000 deduction for older adults earning under $75,000 annually. The state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap would increase from $10,000 to $40,000 for five years. For border security and immigration enforcement, the package allocates $350 billion, including $46 billion for the U.S.-Mexico border wall and $45 billion for 100,000 migrant detention facility beds. The plan aims to deport approximately 1 million people annually through hiring 10,000 new U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and expanding Border Patrol forces. To offset costs, Republicans propose significant cuts to Medicaid, food stamps, and green energy programs, potentially saving $1.5 trillion. The legislation would impose new 80-hour monthly work requirements for Medicaid and food stamp recipients up to age 65, while rolling back former President Joe Biden-era's renewable energy tax incentives. The CBO estimates these changes would leave 10.9 million more people without health coverage and 3 million without food stamp eligibility. Additional provisions include $25 billion for the "Golden Dome" missile defense system, establishment of "Trump Accounts" children's savings program, and $40 million for a "National Garden of American Heroes." The bill also restricts artificial intelligence (AI) development, blocks transgender surgeries, and directs the sale of up to 1.2 million acres of public land for housing development. The U.S. Capitol is seen on June 28 in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Capitol is seen on June 28 in Washington, People Are Saying President Donald Trump on Truth Social on Friday: "The Great Republicans in the U.S. Senate are working all weekend to finish our 'ONE, BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL.' We are on the precipice of delivering Massive General Tax Cuts, NO TAX ON TIPS, NO TAX ON OVERTIME, NO TAX ON SOCIAL SECURITY FOR OUR SENIORS, Permanently Securing our Borders, an even Bigger and More Powerful Military." House Republicans' X, formerly Twitter, account wrote on Friday: "House Republicans are united and ready to DELIVER the largest tax cut for working and middle-class Americans in history. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act will unleash our economy and restore the American Dream." Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York wrote on X on Saturday: "BREAKING: I will object to Republicans moving forward on their Big, Ugly Bill without reading it on the Senate floor. Republicans won't tell America what's in the bill. So Democrats are forcing it to be read start to finish on the floor. We will be here all night if that's what it takes to read it." Trump on Truth Social on Saturday: "WHY ARE THE DEMOCRATS ALWAYS ROOTING AGAINST AMERICA???" Tech billionaire and MAGA ally Elon Musk wrote on X on Saturday: "Polls show that this bill is political suicide for the Republican Party." In his post, he shared polling data from The Tarrance Group that showed majority opposition across different voter groups. What Happens Next The Senate must complete its work and pass the bill before sending it back to the House for a final vote. Trump has demanded the legislation reach his desk by July 4th. With Democrats united in opposition and some Republican concerns emerging over provisions affecting rural hospitals and AI restrictions, the timeline remains uncertain. Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.
Newsweek
4 hours ago
- Newsweek
Elon Musk Calls Donald Trump's Big Beautiful Bill 'Political Suicide'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Elon Musk made several last-ditch arguments on X ahead of Saturday's planned vote in the Senate that will look to advance President Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful" spending bill in a key vote. Musk, who had spent months as a close Trump ally during his time working for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), very publicly criticized the bill after departing the federal government and returning to the private sector. Trump and Musk then had a very public fight over, hurling insults and allegations at each other. The tech mogul renewed his criticism on Saturday in a series of posts on X, saying first that the bill "raises the debt ceiling by $5 TRILLION, the biggest increase in history, putting America in the fast lane to debt slavery!" "The latest Senate draft bill will destroy millions of jobs in America and cause immense strategic harm to our country! Utterly insane and destructive," Musk said in a separate post. "It gives handouts to industries of the past while severely damaging industries of the future." He quickly followed it with a post that included polling by The Tarrance Group which showed the majority of all voters and even various groups of declared Republican voters agree with Musk's criticism and would grossly increase the federal budget by trillions of dollars. This is a breaking news story. Updates will follow.
