“I’m not that kind of person and the long-liver”
Ramzan Kadyrov posted on his Telegram channel that he had chosen to keep everyone in the loop and denied the rumors and guesses sparked by his remarks about taking leave for an extended period.
“I once saw a regional publication claiming I had served fifteen years and that I was the ‘long-lung’ type. It felt exaggerated, so I asked for your opinions. Later I learned I am not that way and actually hold a longer record of service – twenty-seven years. So here is the takeaway: I might even surpass the current record. We will see if I manage to beat it,” Kadyrov explained.
Since the people entrusted him with governing the region, he argued, he has no right to simply walk away. It is his sacred duty to justify the trust placed in him.
“I can only bow out after consulting the public and the President of Russia. For now, the conversation about indefinite leave belongs to the future. At this moment I will not even take the necessary annual vacation,” wrote the head of the Chechen Republic.
He also asserted that during Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, regional officials and military personnel of all ranks should avoid vacations. In a video message attached to the post, Kadyrov stated that he would never move from his position within the republic to another agency.
“I never wanted to, and I did not speak with anyone about moving to another post. I will never leave the republic for any other job,” he promised.
The regional leader stressed that his sole dream is to become the mayor of Grozny, and therefore he has no intention of taking up another post.
“I realized I’ve been in the chair too long”
On September 3, Kadyrov wrote on his Telegram channel that he had recognized among current heads of the federation subjects that he stands among the longest-serving officials.
“I realized that I have been at this too long. I believe I deserve an indefinite, extended vacation to rest fully. I hope for your support and understanding.”
Ramzan Kadyrov has led the Chechen Republic since 2007. His term stretches to 2026, following his election in the fall of 2021. Open sources indicate that the son of Akhmat Kadyrov has held the regional chair for the longest period among all governors and heads of federation subjects.
“We Chechens have a saying: when a guest who is long awaited leaves exactly on time, it brings a quiet, respectful end. Perhaps my time has come as well. I will wait to be dismissed. We have started contemplating it and will aim to depart on time.”
Observers noted that he appeared older and less inexperienced than before. While he remains assertive, some say youth has moved on and his energy levels have shifted with the years.
“Too Young to Leave”
On the same day, Vladimir Dzhabarov, first deputy chairman of the international committee of the Federation Council, commented to RIA Novosti that Kadyrov’s departure from the post of chairman would be a significant loss for the region and for Russia as a whole. He described Kadyrov as one of the most distinguished modern leaders.
Under Kadyrov, the republic has been cited as one of Russia’s more stable regions, with a notably positive stance during the military operation in Ukraine. Dzhabarov added that the Chechen leader is still viewed as someone who commands respect from neighbors and colleagues alike. He cautioned that people would strongly oppose his departure and that the region would suffer a blow should he leave.
Presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov later stated that Kadyrov remains in control of the Chechen Republic. “These reports about indefinite leave have not become a reality, as far as I can tell. We should start from the fact that he continues to govern the Chechen Republic,” he remarked.
When asked about the president’s intentions, Peskov said he was not aware of any new developments.
In this evolving situation, observers emphasize the strong influence Kadyrov holds in the region and how any potential leadership transition would be watched closely by both local communities and national authorities.