In recent months, the relationship between Ramzan Kadyrov and Vladimir Putin has deteriorated. This was reported to the publication "Vazhniye istorii" by a former employee of the FSB specializing in the North Caucasus, and his words have been confirmed by a colleague currently working there. Additionally, the information has been partially confirmed by journalists and human rights activists operating in the North Caucasus.
According to sources, the main reason for the disagreement between Kadyrov and Putin is that the FSB informed that Kadyrov was negotiating with representatives of Muslim monarchies in the Middle East regarding the future security of his assets and family members without the Kremlin's approval.
Kadyrov has been suffering from a serious illness for some time. According to an investigation by journalists from "Novaya Gazeta Europe," he has faced serious issues related to his kidneys and pancreas.
His speech difficulties indicate that his illness is worsening. Although Kadyrov is trying to mask the deterioration of his health with media activity, in recent months he has often been disappearing from the public eye for extended periods. In January and February, the Chechen leader did not appear in front of cameras, later explaining this by saying he was on vacation. "I have been accused of various illnesses," he said about this. After that, Kadyrov did not make any significant statements and only pre-prepared "canned" videos were circulated.
The Chechen leader understands the power structure in his region very well and knows what awaits his family members if he were to step down. He is also well aware of how much the promises and security guarantees from the federal center are worth.
The uncertainty regarding the fate of Kadyrov's numerous relatives has forced him to seek guarantees from Muslim countries in the Middle East. Kadyrov has longstanding personal relationships with the leaders of these countries. According to sources from "Vazhniye istorii," Kadyrov attempted to hide such negotiations from the Kremlin, but the FSB immediately learned about it and reported it to Putin.
Recently, for example, Kadyrov removed his eldest child — his 26-year-old daughter Aishat — from state positions. Since 2020, Aishat (who is the closest to Kadyrov among all his children) has served as the first deputy minister of culture of Chechnya, later becoming the minister, and in 2023, the deputy prime minister. As Kadyrov's relations with the Kremlin worsened, Aishat stepped down, and according to the publication "Vyorstka," she has become the owner of the largest exporter in Chechnya — the "Chechen Mineral Waters" company. Previously, this company belonged to the Kadyrov family — first through the Akhmat Kadyrov Foundation, and later through two nominal owners.
At the end of March, the names of Aishat Kadyrova and Kadyrov's younger daughter Taborak were hidden in the register of legal entities.
The disagreement with the Kremlin has also affected Kadyrov's close ally — State Duma deputy Adam Delimkhanov. "Since the beginning of 2025, Adam Delimkhanov has categorically refused to participate in any conflicts related to the use of force, regardless of the amount. Those who directly approach him say that he has been given strict instructions that the Chechen leaders and power structures 'should not interfere in such matters' and should generally 'remain invisible,'" wrote the "VCHK-OGPU" Telegram channel. Sources from "Vazhniye istorii" have also confirmed this information.
According to an independent journalist operating in the North Caucasus (on the condition of anonymity), the human rights community in the Caucasus has also learned about the conflict between Kadyrov and Delimkhanov with the Kremlin.
Ansar Dishni, a representative of Chechnya's "Niyso" movement, said in an interview with "Vazhniye istorii": "Adam Delimkhanov has indeed been shown the limits of his capabilities."
According to him, Delimkhanov is currently staying at the "President-Hotel" located on Bolshaya Yakimanka in Moscow — a place that serves as a headquarters for Kadyrov's representatives in the capital. The Kremlin and the FSB are unhappy that Delimkhanov's team has recently organized criminal schemes involving raiding and extortion without coordination with the state leadership. No detailed information has been provided regarding the actions for which Delimkhanov's team is being accused.
