Relations between President Vladimir Putin and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov have actually soured in current months after the Kremlin learned about alleged secret meetings between Kadyrov and authorities in the Middle East, the investigative outlet IStories reported Thursday, pointing out former and existing Russian security agents.According to the report, Kadyrov has looked for assurances from Middle Eastern officials to safeguard his household and properties ought to his rule over Chechnya end.
While IStories does not define the nations included, it keeps in mind that Kadyrov has longstanding ties with Muslim monarchies in the region.The Chechen leader is known to regularlytravel to the United Arab Emirates, where past reporting declared that he hasused an elite villa on an artificial island of Palm Jumeirah as an unofficial Chechen embassy given that at least 2014.
Kadyrov, who has ruled Chechnya with substantial autonomy for almost two decades in exchange for loyalty to the Kremlin, is believed to be preparing for a possible departure from power due to his getting worse health.
According to sources mentioned by IStories, he is suspicious of any warranties offered by Moscow should he step down from office.Last year, Novaya Gazeta Europe reportedthat Kadyrov struggles with a serious illness, possibly pancreatic necrosis.
Kremlin PR experts have actually allegedly sought to conceal his condition from the public.According to present and former Federal Security Service (FSB) officers who spoke to IStories on condition of privacy, the intelligence service informed Putin of Kadyrovs unauthorized conversations with Middle Eastern officials relating to the safety of his loved ones and assets.Kadyrovs recent political maneuvering including removing his daughter Aishat as Chechnyas deputy prime minister and transferring service properties to relative has even more fueled speculation that he might be preparing to step down as ruler of the North Caucasus region.The reported rift in between Putin and Kadyrov was also said to have impacted the Chechen leaders close ally, State Duma lawmaker Adam Delimkhanov.Chechen Ansar Dishni toldIStories that Delimkhanov had actually been warned of the limits of his capabilities in the middle of the reported tensions.The Moscow Times could not individually validate the IStories report.