Kadyrov’s relations with Kremlin have soured over the Chechen leader’s unsanctioned negotiations with Middle Eastern countries, new report alleges
Relations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chechnya Governor Ramzan Kadyrov have soured in recent months, the independent outlet iStories reported on Thursday, citing current and former Federal Security Service (FSB) officers, a journalist in the North Caucasus, and human rights activists. The tensions reportedly began when Kadyrov went behind Putin’s back to negotiate with Middle Eastern countries regarding the future of his assets and his relatives’ security. Meduza shares key takeaways from the investigation.
According to iStories’s sources, the fallout between Putin and Kadyrov began when the FSB informed the Russian president about unauthorized negotiations the Chechen leader has held with Middle Eastern monarchies. Amid worsening health, Kadyrov has reportedly sought assurances from foreign allies regarding his assets and his family’s safety.
iStories notes that a 2024 investigation by Novaya Gazeta Europe detailed Kadyrov’s health issues, including “serious” pancreatic and kidney problems. While Kadyrov has denied being in poor health, he has spent long periods out of the public eye in recent months.
Kadyrov’s health issues
Despite his efforts to keep his negotiations secret, the FSB quickly uncovered them and reported them to Putin, iStories reports.
The fallout has also affected Kadyrov’s closest political ally, State Duma deputy Adam Delimkhanov. According to the Telegram channel VChK-OGPU, which claims to have insider information from Russian security forces, Delimkhanov has refused to take part in any power struggles since early 2025, regardless of the stakes. He has reportedly told confidants that a “strict order from the top” bars Chechen leaders and security officials from engaging in such conflicts or drawing public attention in general.
An independent journalist covering the North Caucasus told iStories that human rights activists in the region are also aware of the growing rift between Kadyrov and Delimkhanov and the Kremlin. Activist Ansar Dishni told the outlet that “the limits of Delimkhanov’s abilities were made clear to him.”
Dishni added that Delimkhanov is currently staying at the President Hotel in Moscow, which serves as a headquarters for Kadyrov’s representatives in the capital. The Kremlin and the FSB, human rights activists say, are displeased that Delimkhanov has recently orchestrated criminal schemes — such as extortion and corporate takeovers — without approval from the country’s leadership.
