Putin Meets Kadyrov at Kremlin, Backs Chechen Leader’s Bid for Another Term
MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of the Chechen Republic, at the Kremlin on April 29, 2026, expressing support for the long‑serving leader’s intention to run for another term in office .
The meeting came just days after Kadyrov announced that he would seek re-election, provided he had Putin’s backing. According to the Kremlin’s readout, Putin praised the “fundamental” changes the region has undergone under Kadyrov’s leadership .
“I hope the residents of the republic will support you — a great deal has been accomplished in the republic under your leadership, and it has changed fundamentally in recent years.”
— President Vladimir Putin
Kadyrov has led Chechnya since 2007. The next election for the republic’s head is scheduled for September 2026 . Independent Russian media have reported that Kadyrov’s reappointment was effectively decided last autumn, but the meeting on Tuesday served as the formal endorsement .
Security and Economic Assessments
During the closed‑door talks, Putin and Kadyrov reviewed the socio‑economic development of Chechnya, as well as the continued recruitment of Chechen volunteers for Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine.
Kadyrov reported that the region’s industrial production has grown by 47 percent and that more than 600 investment projects are currently underway . He also claimed that unemployment in the republic has fallen to 4 percent, exceeding Putin’s stated target of 5 percent, and that more than 55,000 fighters from Chechnya have served in the war since 2022, including 11,000 currently active on the front lines .
Kadyrov’s Health and Future Plans
Rumors about Kadyrov’s health have circulated for years; unconfirmed reports have suggested he suffers from a serious pancreatic condition. However, his busy public schedule in recent weeks appears designed to push back against those claims. Tuesday’s high‑profile Kremlin meeting further signals that the 49‑year‑old leader intends to prolong his rule despite persistent speculation about his physical condition.
The election for the head of Chechnya will be held in September. With Putin’s open endorsement, Kadyrov is virtually certain to remain in power for another term.
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