Russian President Vladimir Putin met in the Kremlin with Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov, the Russian president’s press office reported.
During the meeting, Putin expressed his support for Kadyrov’s candidacy for a new term as head of the region.
“I hope that the people of the republic will support you,” Putin said. “A lot has been achieved under your leadership in the republic, it has simply changed dramatically in recent years.”
Kadyrov announced last February that he would present his candidacy in the upcoming elections if Putin supported him. Novaya Gazeta Europe wrote in March, citing sources, that the presidential administration approved Kadyrov’s new term in the fall, but Putin has not yet made a final decision.
Over the past few years, rumors have regularly spread in the media and social networks that Kadyrov is seriously ill. According to unconfirmed information, he was diagnosed with pancreatic necrosis in 2019.
Elections for the president of Chechnya are scheduled for September. Kadyrov has headed the region since 2007.