Ukraine says Chechen leader suffers kidney failure, Kremlin eyes successor

Head of Russia's Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov has suffered kidney failure, and the Kremlin is considering a possible replacement for him, Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate said.

The intelligence noted that Kadyrov is currently in a “private hospital” in Chechnya, per Ukrainian outlet Ukrinform.

According to the report, members of his family clan (teip), including relatives from other countries, have gathered around him.

Potential candidates mentioned include Magomed Daudov, Apti Alaudinov, and Kadyrov’s son Akhmat.

Chechen authorities and representatives of the Kremlin have not commented on the reports.

Earlier, Ramzan Kadyrov appointed his 20-year-old son, Akhmat, to the position of acting deputy head of the republic's government, while retaining the position of Minister of Sports.

By Khagan Isayev