ISW explains why Putin demonstratively meets with Kadyrov

The Institute for the Study of War writes about this.

U.S. analysts point out that Putin and Kadyrov met on September 28 amid speculation about the Chechen leader's poor health. During the meeting, the Russian president praised the "successes" of Kadyrov's forces on the frontline in Ukraine and praised his leadership in Chechnya.

"Kadyrov’s and Putin’s September 28 meeting comes amid continued speculations about Kadyrov’s health and recent public backlash over footage of Kadyrov’s son beating a detainee. Putin’s meeting with Kadyrov is likely a reciprocation of Kadyrov’s expressions of loyalty to Putin following Wagner’s armed rebellion on June 24 and signals Putin’s willingness to continue supporting Kadyrov despite recent events," ISW concluded.

Rumors about Kadyrov's illness: what is known

On September 15, a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Andriy Yusov, said that Ramzan Kadyrov's illness had worsened. According to him, the head of Chechnya is in serious condition.

Subsequently, a video appeared on Kadyrov's telegram channel in which he denied information about his serious condition.

On September 18, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Kremlin had no information about Kadyrov's possible illness.

At the same time, Russian media have already begun to spread information about Kadyrov's possible successors.

On September 28, Vladimir Putin and Ramzan Kadyrov held a meeting during which the head of Chechnya boasted of alleged "successes" in the war in Ukraine.