Kadyrov commented on rumors about his hospitalization.

In a video with the Minister of National Policy, Ramzan Kadyrov declared his "fighting spirit" and blamed "Satanists"* for spreading the news of his emergency hospitalization.

As "Caucasian Knot" reported, during a live broadcast on December 14, Ramzan Kadyrov declared that he was fed up with the government, but will run for the head of the republic in 2026 if the president nominates him and the people support him. Kadyrov announced his intention to participate in the next Chechen presidential elections back in July 2023, commenting on rumors that were circulating at the time about his possible replacement. Kadyrov's words are primarily addressed to those in the elite who expect his resignation, while analysts interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot" believe he has no need to bargain with the Kremlin.

Ramzan Kadyrov felt it necessary to comment on the latest publications about his health, dismissing reports of his hospitalization in Moscow as "gossip." A video featuring Kadyrov, refuting the rumors, was recorded and published this evening on his Telegram channel by Chechen Minister of National Policy, External Relations, Press, and Information Akhmed Dudayev. A repost of the video was also posted on Kadyrov's own channel.

Publications claiming that Kadyrov was urgently hospitalized in late December circulated in a number of media outlets on December 31. They pointed out that Kadyrov was absent from the State Council meeting chaired by Vladimir Putin, which included the heads and representatives of all Russian regions except Chechnya.

Akhmed Dudayev complained that "Satanists* have spread more fake news regarding the health of the Chechen leader," despite Grozny's official media outlets regularly publishing statements by Kadyrov and reports on his activities. In a joint video, he asks Kadyrov to comment on the "rumors."

"The Satanists* are at work, they've planted another rumor that you're in critical condition in Moscow (...) How's your health, how are you feeling?" he asks.

"We're in fighting spirit. Normal people understand us, but these Satanists and neo-Nazis are just doing their job, and they're paid for it. No matter what we say, no matter what we show, there will still be this gossip," Kadyrov replies.

He also claims that he plans to work out "in half an hour." At Dudayev's prompting, he lists: "push-ups, ultimate fighting, wrestling, boxing." At the same time, in the two-minute recording, Kadyrov doesn't appear as cheerful and active as he claims - he props his head up with his hand, gestures listlessly, and Dudayev fills the pauses in his speech with leading phrases.

During his "direct line," Kadyrov indirectly acknowledged his health problems: he stated that he "only took official vacation four times a year," Fortanga noted on January 2.

* The Supreme Court of the Russian Federation has recognized the "International Movement of Satanism" as extremist and banned its activities.

** Meta (owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) is banned in Russia.