Kadyrov on running for President of Russia: I have the right, but I won’t do it

During a year-end press conference, Head of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov announced that he will never run for President of Russia, but noted that he has every right to do so.

“I’m a Russian citizen, I have the right. What, others can but Chechens can’t? We can,” RIA Novosti quotes him as saying.

“But I’ll never do it,” he added, clarifying that after a leader like Putin, it would be almost impossible to govern the country. Kadyrov has called Putin a wise, far-sighted, strong, talented, honest, and decent man.

After the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, Chechen head Ramzan Kadyrov took an extremely pro-war stance. Since the first days of combat, he has kept up constant commentary on the situation at the front and a stream of photos of Chechen fighters.

Kadyrov is openly critical of the Russian Ministry of Defense. In particular, he blamed Colonel General Alexander Lapin, former commander of the Central Military District, for the loss of Lyman. Kadyrov also suggested launching a tactical nuclear strike on Ukraine.

PMC Wagner founder Evgeny Prigozhin has spoken out in support of Ramzan Kadyrov.